silent thunder

I am no master, no teacher, no role model and have not achieved balance. I'm just a guy obsessed with consciousness in its varying forms, philosophy and poetry, who has resigned that I will not stop making mistakes in this life, but feels he just might be able to at least make better mistakes in the future. So take anything I ever say as me sharing my take on things, never as me saying 'this is how things are'. I'm no authority but my own and I only ever share my truth, not 'the truth'. I have used many methods over the decades of seeking to cajole realization about my True Nature. But I'd like to give you a reply worthy of such a potent question. and for now, Dawn is approaching and sleep is seducing awareness. I'll sleep with it and hopefully authentic words will arise tomorrow. Your question deserves them. I'm sure appreciating the conversation. thanks to everyone involved.

@waterdrop I wouldn't know how to direct another in where balance lies in their remarks or reactions my friend. Other than to say, if you are lashing out in anger, or seeking to harm, time to give yourself a time out. Let some time pass before acting, or speaking in rage or anger. Our balance points are unique to each of us, I suspect. Mine likely wouldn't be yours. Honestly, I often only become aware of when I've strayed out of my own balance zone, when I'm in the midst of it, or after it's played out... such is the nature of imbalanced reactions... they tumble us off center. When I find myself out of balance, then the only thing I can do is create space and foster silence until I feel able to course correct, offer contrition where appropriate and log the event in my 'let's try and not do this again' portion of my mind. Then take it from there. Through mindfulness, and years of introspection of past actions and most importantly through attentive listening. Listening from a desire to comprehend instead of respond... I have experienced that it's possible for me to interrupt an over-reaction. Remain silent, or offer something better than silence. ~Pythagorus I've garnered much benefit from applying this to my life, particularly in regards to the darker emotions in exchanges. Lately I lean toward silence when in the midst of triggered anger. I'll go for a walk, put headphones on with soothing music and then give myself a full day to cool off and see how things appear. Almost invariably, the next day I find that my former sense of outrage, or anger at the event has shifted and what may have seemed worthy of anger and vitriol yesterday, is now perceived as a battle unworthy of participation, a paper tiger and am grateful if I managed to hold off in responding immediately. Conversely, I seldom hesitate to express joy, appreciation, gratitude and love.

Sure, how about this... My acting or not acting, are both accepted equally, as part of the naturally co-arising conditions of any given situation. If I don't act, I'm accepting life as it is, including my presence and awareness and no draw to act. If I act, I'm still accepting life as it is, acceptance now includes my presence, awareness and any actions that I'm drawn to perform. Because I am always an intrinsic part of whatever conditions are arising in life. Action does not preclude Acceptance and Acceptance does not imply inaction. Both action and non-action arise naturally. I am part of nature, as are my actions. Real life example. (This one is about Acceptance so complete it abides beneath the threshold of conscious thought): My Father in Law stumbles and begins to drop my 6 day old son. Moment later, I find myself holding my son in my arms. This is an example of such pure acceptance of the draw to act; that thought does not even arise, action simply flows tzujan, of itself, effortlessly. Wei Wu Wei. and thought only arrives to analyze it, after the fact. A pregnant woman stumbles next to you at the bus stop, you find yourself supporting her and preventing her from falling. Should this be interpreted as a rejection of life as it is? Or can you accept that you are the part of conditions of life as it is in that moment which resulted in her not falling? It's a subtle shift in interpreting action, but potent. Freeing. Here's another, less instinctual example, one which involves concious thought and 'choice' which is also an example from my life. When walking each morning before dawn, to go to work, I often see Szuki. On the days I see Szuki, (a local feral cat I have befriended), I will sit down and offer her a few slices of meat from my lunch. Is this action on my part a non-acceptance of life as it is? Is there an assumption that to act implies non acceptance? Am I not part of life as it is? Is not my draw to act and share a meal with someone who may be hungry, not also a natural part of what is occuring in that moment? I am not separate from what occurs. I experience life as intrinsically interwoven and thus, my presence in any situation and any action arises from me, does so as does any other force involved. For me, Action is not a negation of my Acceptance of Szuki's state of hunger, or nutrition. Nor is it a rejection of life as it is. I'm accepting that in that moment, my presence and draw to offer the presentation of a small snack for a hungry friend. One last example: My son who is finishing 8th grade, shortly before school's were closed, witnessed three kids corner another at recess and begin giving him a hard time. My son walked over, stood by the bullied child and intervened asking "hey, what's going on?". "Nothing... we're just messing around." said one. "He seems upset, why don't you just leave him alone." my son replied. "This is none of your business" said another, then reached out, grabbing my son by the wrist. A moment later, my son in a state of shock, realized he had the kid who grabbed his wrist, in a head lock. My son released him almost instantly and then said "hey look! I don't want to escalate anything. Just leave it all alone." They walked away. Even if the action arising is one of opposing as in this case... for me this does not imply a rejection of what is... because we ourselves are always a part of what is, and thus accepting our actions is a natural accepting of life as it is.

This morning, these two, looped, playing concurrently... along with this one @ 20% volume in the background

So much in that one brief statement. It accomodates and acknowledges and encompasses all that's transpiring in this conversation, in our world, in our awareness. Thanks for sharing mate. The timing on that one for me... kizmit.

I've been deeply drawn and keenly interested in Sacred Geometry since I first heard and encountered the concept years ago. thanks for starting the topic Daolina. Its draw to my awareness was as keen and deeply connecting as when I first encountered the DDJ and Zhuangze. Like Vajra. Instant connection. Lightning from a clear blue sky. As Above, So Below. The mirroring of life and matter on all levels of magnification from the atomic to the galactic. To me, we are the personification of the motion and sound of geometry, with the advent of being able to be somewhat aware of it. Truly miraculous. My wife and I watch the Inner Worlds, Outer Worlds documentary rather regularly anshino23, it's very well done. I look forward to watching your video this morning Daolina. Here's another one I found good mileage in...

Timing... thank you.

“I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” – Robert McCloskey

Should the option for travel present itself... I was healed and taught how to maintain health by Zhou Ting-Jue. I was semi-crippled and suffering chronic pain for years before working with him. His school/clinic is in El Monte California. link here... https://www.masterzhou.com/treatments.html I have much empathy for you mate. May you experience the shift you seek. Your sincerity will surely aid you in this... Love!

Simple beingness. Raw presence. Such simple bliss. Such treasure!

More distinctly now, the connections emanate with even more accute distinction, due to the physical isolation. Where connection abides... no amount of physical distance can create true separation or diminish authentic connection.

Agree with your take on Musashi. To flout such heavily entrenched tradition at the peak of its influence and to slide along outside of the overwhelming social more's and become one of the greatest warriors of the Age... of any Age... He was a big influence on my young martial explorations.

Thanks for this description. It was a helpful mirror.

This is how most of my books seems to jump into my lap these days. and exactly how I came to ask you about this book. That cover veritably sings to me. Thanks so much for your time, particularly now. I'm an avid Star Hound from my earliest daze, so I'll be looking for my copy. And for the record... Second hand book stores are perhaps the greatest hover points for me since discovering one across the street from our home while attending University back in the 80's. Collette was the bookstore Cat and the Captain of the Idea Ship, who chaparoned those of us who meandered the maze of shelves across two sprawling levels. I spent countless afternoons in one of the reading nooks they provided with Collette as companion close by, smiling and nodding her approval, or sniffing in mild contempt on occasion. It was over a year of regular perusing, before I finally meandered into the furthest back corner of the second floor shelving units to uncover... their secret door to the third level of rare and specialty books! Never found the door to Narnia, but probably for the best... I've had work here to do. Thanks again friend.

If I contact them, I will let you know. Your english is nothing to apologize for, it's impressive and earns my respect.

Love them! Reminds me of these guys from Japan, Ningen Isu... these three retirees shredding hard. Japanese Millenials: Man! Our Elders are really draggin our culture down! NIngen Isu: Oh really? Hold my sake!

Whoa, fascinating first share mate! Welcome to the Bums.

I find my inner self wrestles with the false reality my senses provide awareness daily. I like your name mate... welcome.

Hey there and welcome!

Welcome. You'll find a lot of great resources here friend.

Welcome mate. The Runes have been a constant presence in my life, they resonate profoundly. Hope your stay here is pleasant.

Hey there Mithras. Welcome to the Bums mate. Some beautiful sharing of insight and intent in your opening post. I share similar experience and have empathy with what you shared. I'm a deep skeptic by nature and yet, in life, have encountered some paradigm shifting occurences that have expanded and shattered my former assumptions as to what we are and what is possible. In most cases, I never found suitably foundational answers for my skeptic mind, but experience and acceptance of my inability to encompass it all has led to a place where I'm pleased to dance with questions that may never offer firm answers to stand on. Lots of like minded folks here... you're in good company.

I'm 9 years behind you, and hardly ever know where I'm going it seems... though I'm always where I'm at thankfully. Welcome.

Welcome friend. That was an inspiring hello. *respect*

Sweet name. Welcome.