I've just come back from a Buddhist retreat in France (Plum Village), this was a big theme obviously. I'm scared to paraphrase (my words not proper Zen stuff).
What I got from the discussions with the nuns and monks who spend a lot of time contemplating this and are from a lineage of Vietnamese Zen that was born out of the suffering and designed to support social workers in the war, was we can be aware of the suffering and cultivate compassion taking as much action as we're able (which is the things that you mention) and we can hold joy for the beauty of the world and cultivate loving kindness to the world around us.
One thing I noticed is I got so caught up in being online and scrolling horrific images I was a disengaged and numb parent and shit friend. So I need to consciously consume and be present to my life AND hold the suffering in my awareness. Two things can be true simultaneously, there can be joy in the world and hell. The energy I bring to my connections with the bus driver and the love I bring to my friends counts. It doesn't diminish the suffering and isn't spiritual bypassing.
I now am careful on how much smartphone scrolling I do. Our brains aren't designed for such horror. I consumer news carefully and make sure I take care that I don't get too overwhelmed as that makes me not present for the people and beauty around me. I can be grateful for that knowing that there is great suffering in the world that I have little control over. The one thing I can do is not be a dick (again not a Buddhist word for word teaching). Anyway what do I know.
I feel the same and then got flamed by some buddhist dude online for trying to say this so hey... its a crazy time. Thank you for being you and making me feel less alone.
Also - not sure if you've seen this already - but you could use your platform to support this request (I'm aware you get a lot of requests), this is legit and there is a tangible ask to get the goverment to help get sick kids treated in Britain https://www.instagram.com/p/DMdvBXQgN8K/ (sorry if you've already posted it)
That’s actually as cringe as the TikToker manifestation girls, sorry.
Actually owe you another apology, so…
…Sorry I gatecrashed u getting fish & chips few months ago…Yep, I’m THAT Scottish guy!
In fairness, I had just watched LOL & although never normally care for celeb or selfie culture, had to approach with a “naughty taughty!” …although a little startled, you soon warmed up. Sincerely, you were very genuine & charming as were two lovely friends & really I think you should be glad I didn’t make it an extremely startling situation & ask for a LoL lil tush shake instead, naughty-taughty, was actually fairly restrained on my part, I feel upon further reflection.
Ach, now probably need apologise, again! Anyway looking forward to your show @ The Granville on 19th. X Keep on keeping on! X
Hahaha, you probably had enough of a battle, protecting them from the infamous Thanet Seagulls, they make even us Glaswegians look timid & shy in comparison!
(Although as an addendum, would be delighted to rectify this & share chips with you anytime, alternating shifts may be required as chief gull scarer/chip guardian!)
💯this!!!
I've just come back from a Buddhist retreat in France (Plum Village), this was a big theme obviously. I'm scared to paraphrase (my words not proper Zen stuff).
What I got from the discussions with the nuns and monks who spend a lot of time contemplating this and are from a lineage of Vietnamese Zen that was born out of the suffering and designed to support social workers in the war, was we can be aware of the suffering and cultivate compassion taking as much action as we're able (which is the things that you mention) and we can hold joy for the beauty of the world and cultivate loving kindness to the world around us.
One thing I noticed is I got so caught up in being online and scrolling horrific images I was a disengaged and numb parent and shit friend. So I need to consciously consume and be present to my life AND hold the suffering in my awareness. Two things can be true simultaneously, there can be joy in the world and hell. The energy I bring to my connections with the bus driver and the love I bring to my friends counts. It doesn't diminish the suffering and isn't spiritual bypassing.
I now am careful on how much smartphone scrolling I do. Our brains aren't designed for such horror. I consumer news carefully and make sure I take care that I don't get too overwhelmed as that makes me not present for the people and beauty around me. I can be grateful for that knowing that there is great suffering in the world that I have little control over. The one thing I can do is not be a dick (again not a Buddhist word for word teaching). Anyway what do I know.
I feel the same and then got flamed by some buddhist dude online for trying to say this so hey... its a crazy time. Thank you for being you and making me feel less alone.
Thank you 🙏 for this
Also - not sure if you've seen this already - but you could use your platform to support this request (I'm aware you get a lot of requests), this is legit and there is a tangible ask to get the goverment to help get sick kids treated in Britain https://www.instagram.com/p/DMdvBXQgN8K/ (sorry if you've already posted it)
Lou, you’re a light in the world for us all.
That’s actually as cringe as the TikToker manifestation girls, sorry.
Actually owe you another apology, so…
…Sorry I gatecrashed u getting fish & chips few months ago…Yep, I’m THAT Scottish guy!
In fairness, I had just watched LOL & although never normally care for celeb or selfie culture, had to approach with a “naughty taughty!” …although a little startled, you soon warmed up. Sincerely, you were very genuine & charming as were two lovely friends & really I think you should be glad I didn’t make it an extremely startling situation & ask for a LoL lil tush shake instead, naughty-taughty, was actually fairly restrained on my part, I feel upon further reflection.
Ach, now probably need apologise, again! Anyway looking forward to your show @ The Granville on 19th. X Keep on keeping on! X
Oh hahaha I didn’t offer you any chips though
Hahaha, you probably had enough of a battle, protecting them from the infamous Thanet Seagulls, they make even us Glaswegians look timid & shy in comparison!
(Although as an addendum, would be delighted to rectify this & share chips with you anytime, alternating shifts may be required as chief gull scarer/chip guardian!)
Thanks for this. It says what a lot of us have been thinking. Now I know the reason why I fell in love with you.
i was sure i am already haha!
Perfectly put. Lovely words. You summed up how I feel much better than I could do.
😔😔😔
Love you 😍