Diary of a Mad Potter

Eventually we will find (mostly in retrospect, of course) that we can be very grateful to those people who have made life most difficult for us.

-Ayya Khema, "When the Iron Eagle Flies"

This is so true. I suppose that this is related to "What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger."

I'm doing well. Making pots, shopping, being goofy as usual. I'm trying to get back into the writing groove and failing miserably...LOL!

Is this thing on ? Anyone out there??

# posted by Modern Spinster @ 1:23 PM 0 comments

Feelings, whether of compassion or irritation, should be welcomed, recognized, and treated on an absolutely equal basis; because both are ourselves. The tangerine I am eating is me. The mustard greens I am planting are me. I plant with all my heart and mind. I clean this teapot with the kind of attention I would have were I giving the baby Buddha or Jesus a bath. Nothing should be treated more carefully than anything else. In mindfulness, compassion, irritation, mustard green plant, and teapot are all sacred.

-Thich Nhat Hanh, "Miracle of Mindfulness"

PS - I am in an extra-good mood as I have a date this weekend. I want "good hair" vibes from EVERYONE.

If we're looking for outer conditions to bring us contentment, we're looking in vain.

-Ayya Khema, "Be an Island"

In my own experience, the period of greatest gain in knowledge and experience is the most difficult period in one's life. ...Through a difficult period, you can learn, you can develop inner strength, determination, and courage to face the problem. Who gives you this chance? Your enemy.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

It's been one of those kinda days...

Before, this mind went wandering
however it pleased,
wherever it wanted,
by whatever way that it liked.
Today I will hold it aptly in check--
as one wielding a goad, an elephant in rut.

-Dhammapada, 23, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

Ok, is it me? This struck me as hugely funny! An elephant in rut? ROFLMAO!

Maybe I'm just strange *G*.

Meditation is running into reality. It does not insulate you from the pain of life. It allows you to delve so deeply into life and all its aspects that you pierce the pain barrier and go beyond suffering.

-Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, "Mindfulness in Plain English"

Sometimes, you just have to share.

In case anyone is wondering, I'm doing quite well. I made a few major changes in my life recently and it's like I'm walking upright again after carrying a boulder on my back. It's one of those life lessons...I gotta get into the habit of making changes like this sooner, rather than later.

It's all part of my personality, I suppose. I rather cling to the past sometimes...

But...WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO.....I'm free, free, Free, Free, FREE!!

I found a very handy site that I think I may refer to more: www.bio-chart.com .

Now, I know some of you poo-poo my more woo-woo new-agey side, but I think there is something to this stuff. I made a decision this weekend and looked back at my biorythm for the 2 effected days and definitely see where this stuff hits the head on the nail sometimes.

On Saturday, where the issue came up calling for the decision, I was even-tempered and in emotional balance. My intellectual skills were at a high as well. This was a good day to make a decision. I did, and waited until the next day to act on it.

On Sunday, it was much of the same...so I did what I had to do. The response was what I expected, but not what I had hoped for. Luckily, my even tempered-ness and intellect are holding and I'm ok with it all.

The bummer of the whole thing is physical. I'll probably end up blowing off the gym a bit this week...LOL.

Ok, back to work