I'll be continuing this authenticity niching theme - or, people being real theme - by way of (what else) real open-hearted stories...
April 6, 2005
Hi-
This will be a little blubbery, I'm sure, but I just want to thank you.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was one of my first mindblowing literary adventures. It was given to me by my dear uncle, who was one of my teenage mind's early mentors. I poured over that book, and talked about all the parts he underlined. It's still on my shelf, in two or three pieces from many readings.
My uncle's in failing health.
Seeing your thoughts and posts provided some context for us to connect, on a level deeper than we have done in years. I picked the book back up, and called him.
We talked about some of the passages you've mentioned, and we talked about how my life is getting pretty remarkable these days. I'm shifting careers into the wine industry, and focusing on the more spiritual and sustainable aspects of a "vocation." As my Latin-teacher mother has reminded me, the root of the word is vocare- to speak. I'm finding my calling and starting to evangelize. I hope to take it to a larger stage soon, and folks like you, and Hugh, and the other Seth, etc. are some of my spiritual leaders.
But it's busy. And sometimes, there's a need for more quiet. To stay up late with my friend and uncle who's not long for this earth, and to talk about his imprint on my life. Out of all the richness that's being added to my life right now, yours is the voice that speaks softest, and truest.
Thank you,Seth
This note gently touched the soft spot of my heart. It stayed with me for a long, long time stirring and slowly parting the clouds that often obscure resolute realness. And it was exactly the right note to start the Advance on. Thank you, Seth.
Sometimes the completely open heart and mind of bodhichitta is called the soft spot, a place as vulnerable and tender as an open wound. It is equated, in part, with our ability to love... Even ordinary people like us with hang-ups and confusion have this mind of enlightenment called bodhichitta. The openness and warmth of bodhichitta is in fact our true nature and condition. Even when our neurosis feels far more basic than our wisdom, even when we're feeling most confused and hopeless, bodhichitta - like the open sky - is always here, undiminished by the clouds that temporarily cover it. - Pema Chodron, The Places That Scare You
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