8.16.14 So often , wisdom takes us by the hand, pulls us from the chair and leads us outside , where we are in movement , and all is alight.

Awhile back, I had an unexpected visit from a friend who lives now in Europe, a dear old friend; with whom I have shared birth and death, beginnings and endings. Great enduring challenges. Laughter and confidences always embraced. 

A few weeks later , I received a small package. In it was a plastic bag, with an ancient fragile Herbal, and Pema Chodron's small wise treatise, 'When Things Fall Apart'.
Of course, one can open to any page - and then take a few lines of thought into yourself. And sit or walk or sweep or go to bed with them, from there. 

Pema's own summary of this book is as follows. 

1. There is a great need for lovingkindness toward oneself.
2. Developing from that an awakening of a fearlessly compassionate attitude toward our own pain and that of others.
3. We can step into uncharted territories and relax in the groundlessness of the situation.
4. So, relax with whatever arises and bring whatever we encounter to the path. Over and over and over. 

Sometimes our lives slip into a scenario akin to sitting in a darkened room ,squinting to see the parameters . So often , wisdom takes us by the hand, pulls us from the chair and leads us outside , where we are in movement , and all is alight.