SilkQuilt

It’s Time for Beginner’s Mind

In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few. Roshi Shunryu Suzuki If you haven’t figured it out from previous entries, I am no longer using my beautiful armoire as my container. My container has become something much bigger and bolder as I explore how I can apply TheContinue reading “It’s Time for Beginner’s Mind”

The Middle Way

Great is the matter of birth and deathLife slips quickly byTime waits for no oneWake up Wake upDon’t waste a moment! Rochester Zen Center My Container Project is becoming an internal thoughtful examination of my daily life, which brings me to my Zen training of The Middle Way. The Middle Way will be my guideContinue reading “The Middle Way”

The Plethora of Things to Cast Off

Tashlich is a Jewish custom in which we symbolically cast away our sins into a moving body of water. It is usually performed the first day of Rosh Hashanah in preparation for Yom Kippur. Tashlich is based on a verse “And you will cast all your sins into the depths of the sea.” from Micha,Continue reading “The Plethora of Things to Cast Off”

And If Not Now, When?

I truly believe that a two-state solution is the only way to ensure a more stable Middle East and to grant Israel the security and well-being it desires.Ehud Olmert Today, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority formally asked the Security Council to grant full United Nations membership to Palestine as a path toward itsContinue reading “And If Not Now, When?”

Self Compassion Is An Art Unto Itself

If you’re going to be thinking, you may as well think big. Donald Trump I hate to admit this but I finally figured out the most important thing I am missing in my life is more compassion for myself. I’m already off on the wrong foot by not wanting to admit the deficit. If IContinue reading “Self Compassion Is An Art Unto Itself”

Success in Failure

My newest struggle with My Container started this week with the change in weather. Suddenly, my perfect wardrobe was no longer perfect. That brought out the internal struggle of my commitment to the project. Should I adhere absolutely to the rules? Should I change out what is no longer working? Would it be right toContinue reading “Success in Failure”

Keeping It Personal

It is almost impossible to believe it has been ten years since 9/11. Like every one, I clearly remember my circumstances, working at a project at the Heinz History Center when we were told of the incident and sent home. I drove home through town and shuttered in fear passing our Federal Building wondering ifContinue reading “Keeping It Personal”

Mindful Insight

One of the gifts of My Container Project is how it has heightened my mindfulness. I have stepped out of my regular habitual motions and am actively attentive to my limited palette of Container choices. It is fascinating to observe my thoughts and feelings at each particular juncture. For example, yesterday morning I have aContinue reading “Mindful Insight”

What Ever You Do, Smile

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Thich Nhat Hanh Thich Nhat Hanh This past July when President Obama turned fifty, there was a great article in the New York Times about his aging face. The bottom line is that no differentContinue reading “What Ever You Do, Smile”

A Time To Forgive

Here we are in the month of Elul leading up to the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Elul is a sanctum for introspection and self-assessment as we conduct a full Cheshbon Ha Nefesh, an accounting of the soul. During Elul we separate from our material entanglements to audit our spiritual accountsContinue reading “A Time To Forgive”