Recognizing our oneness

Love, says Eckhart Tolle, 

Is the recognition of oneness 

In the world of duality; 

To see in the face of another 

The underlying spirit 

That grounds, fuels, and unites you both. 

What if we took the time to see 

That connection in every person we greet? 

Would that not make us each feel less alone?

From suffering to grace

So much of suffering is complicated 

By our attitude toward that suffering — 

Which is not to belittle the pain of it, 

But rather an attempt to help us understand 

That to greet pain with denial, 

 Claiming “this should not be happening,” 

Only adds to our discomfort. 

To accept what is, and seek for ways 

To transform what’s learned into grace — 

That is the key.

Who benefits from deception?

Even without AI, 

 It is possible to mislead people; 

To delude them into thinking 

What they see’s not what it is. 

Magicians, movies, actors and politicians 

 Have been doing that for years. 

What matters most is not what’s false 

But the intent behind the deception 

And who benefits.

Eagle eyes

This watchful bird with his young eagle eyes 

Looks down from his branch at the sea below, 

Ready to fly down and capture the fish 

That swim beneath the waves that crash on the shore.

Upon reflection…

Just as the state of the water 

Controls the accuracy of the reflections, 

The state of our minds controls 

 The accuracy of our reflections.

 It is therefore wise 

 Not to make important decisions 

 While feeling troubled and disturbed, 

But from a calm and serene perspective…

Blending opposites

I love the way our ancient willow 

Frames our new little cherry tree 

As she boldly greets the spring. 

New and old, dark and light, 

Sturdy and delicate, pink and green — 

The blend of opposites is so inviting.

Limitations help us grow

What if we came to understand 

That our limitations and imperfections 

 And the obstacles we encounter 

Will actually be the making of us; 

That as we strive to overcome; 

To improve, to learn, and to outgrow 

Whatever holds us back, 

We are, in turn, becoming 

Who we were born to be 

And inspiring those around us 

To do the same?