Tag: authenticity

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Getting better at feeling

“It’s not about feeling better, it’s about getting better at feeling.”

When I heard these words during an appointment today, I made sure to write them down. I could feel their truth for me on every level of my being, but I’ve learned from past experience that if I’m not careful there’s a part of me that will quickly erase such insights from my memory banks.

It’s not an entirely new concept. For years I’ve had therapists and counselors encouraging me to tune into my feelings, to name them and feel them in order to let them go.

I remember one session with a therapist where I was doing my usual talking about the feeling while carefully skirting around any actual feeling of the feeling. She gently but firmly insisted that I tell her where I was feeling it in my body. It took quite a while but eventually I was able to get there.

Over the years and decades so much of my energy has gone to trying to feel better. Sometimes that means trying to fix the situation (or the person) as quickly as possible. Other times it means distracting myself with food or activity. Straightforward denial has definitely had its role to play.

But today is the first time I’ve understood that the real goal is to get better at feeling whatever it is I’m feeling. To be honest and authentic, first and foremost with myself.

What a concept.

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Music is saving the world

I’m feeling deeply inspired by people like Melanie DeMore (whose video I posted the day before yesterday) and the Bengsons. They are brilliantly responding to the craziness of these times with so much love and light, with such honesty and authenticity, touching the soft and vulnerable center of those of us who are listening.

And they’re comforting, soothing, supporting, and — most of all — helping us to tap into our own honest and authentic love and light. And I know from reading the many comments that I’m not the only one experiencing this (the comments are beautiful, actually).

And as crazy and hard and challenging as everything is right now, I’m also deeply appreciative of the fact that — because live performance isn’t currently possible — so many amazing artists are pouring their hearts and souls onto livestreams and virtual concerts, where they’re reaching infinitely more people than ever. Including me (thank you, God)!

So. All this is prompting some serious soul-searching on my part. Which is as it should be! I believe this is a time for all of us to be asking what is our honest and authentic offering? How can we best share our love and light with the world?

Wow! When I focus on life from this perspective I can honestly say: what a time to be alive!

P.S. Here’s yet more honest, authentic, love- and light-filled brilliance, performed to the Bengsons’ song…

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A few last thoughts (for now)

Ramesha mentioned that a friend had asked him why Ananda members weren’t out protesting. My first thought was that some members undoubtedly are! My second thought is how important it is to honor each individual’s inner guidance in these matters.

I remember when I attended Quaker meetings in San Francisco in the early 80’s. There was a lot of civil disobedience happening in protest of the nuclear arms race and many of my friends from the meeting were participating. I had conflicting feelings about it: Should I go? Should I let myself get arrested? Was there some other way to support the cause?

Well, I did go to one of the protests, though I did not get arrested. But ultimately I came to understand that I wasn’t “called” to serve in that way, although I had to fight my way through a lot of doubt, self-recrimination, and feelings of guilt before I arrived at that conclusion.

I had a similar struggle regarding my flute during that same period of time. There were so many issues around poverty and homelessness that at one point I shared in the meeting about feeling guilty for having an expensive flute when so many people didn’t even have enough money for food.

One of the wise elders of the meeting helped me see that my flute was a necessary part of expressing my God-given gift, and that I shouldn’t apologize for who and what I was.

Bottom line is that we all have to find our authentic way of showing up and helping to heal this world of ours, while trusting that others are finding their way as well.

Finally…I’ve noticed a number of people asking questions along the lines of “what’s Ananda’s position” when it comes to the issues of the day. So I’ve collected some videos and articles by various Ananda ministers and members, starting with Jyotish and Devi. This is by no means exhaustive; it’s what I could come up with in a quick search of the Ananda community websites and Facebook pages.

I hope it’s helpful… 💗

Jyotish & Devi, spiritual directors of Ananda Worldwide. 
Acts of Violence & Racism: How Should We Respond? 
Read ARTICLE by Hriman & Padma, spiritual directors of Ananda Washington
Satsang with Hriman and Padma at the Camano Hermitage 🙏
Tonight we talk about racism in America: where we've been; where we are going. Finding your center amidst the furor. 
See VIDEO of satsang
Dharmadas, spiritual director of Ananda Sacramento
Ananda LA blog: Compassion for All by Sherry Chow
Read BLOG POST

I leave you once again with the beautiful chant, They Have Heard Thy Name. May we all be soothed and healed in Heavenly Father/Divine Mother’s love! 🙏

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Oh goodie!

I get to be honest and authentic and admit that I’m in a funky mood. Che gioia (what joy)!

This is one of those times when the path of wisdom is to quit while I’m ahead. Good night.