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Heaven's Feather- duster

8/18/2013

8/18/13
Heaven's Feather-duster
When our eyes are open, we can clearly see depth and glory; reality unfolding.
We humans with our amazing ability
to perceive, to receive, to interpret, to understand.

We make meaning, uncover symbols, and notice the synchronicity of events;
Beings and objects, occurring at once
in the field of time.

We know the feather-duster as a delightful cloud; a vast confluence of tiny water droplets, and dust.
Being mindful, we also discern
a new incarnation of matter and energy that was once, perhaps
a human being, an oak tree, the Delaware bay, or a frog.

If you cultivate a 'child's mind',
you know it is a feather duster.
Momentarily arising to dust cobwebs from the heavens; from the inner gaze
Offering a glimpse of vast no-thingness, and everything.

Breathing in I feel my body
Breathing out I know I am present.

Breathing in I open my eyes
Breathing out I notice everything

Breathing in I know I am naming
Breathing out I let go of labels.

Breathing in I encounter nothingness
Breathing out I feel wonder

Breathing in I encounter everything
Breathing out, every thing is fresh and real.

May this information benefit you, those you love, and all sentient beings, everywhere.

-Ellen Adelman
© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013,
all rights reserved.

Mind Body Intelligence, and MBI tm are trademark of Ellen M. Adelman PhD and the Sage Healing Institute.

For more information visit www.sagehealinginstitute.com.

Waiting

8/11/2013

Sand Clock, Original artwork by Santiago Caruso

8/11/13
Waiting

Trapped in the hour glass of time
We may fall asleep
The crystalline walls, invisible around us
As the unfelt grains of sand whisper to the floor.

Floating in an unseen cosmos
Oblivious to changes both tiny and immense
We close our eyes
To hide in forgetfulness

Attached to our vision of the future
Anticipating birth, death, struggle and
success
Pointed so forward, as if wishing to fly
we cannot feel our curled, static pose.

Imprisoned by our memories of the past,
Images of who we have been
Regrets and loss fill the mind
The unknown barrier around us.

Opening into the present, the glass dissolves
Each moment of sand, a crystalline grain
Sparkling with boundless joy and possibility
Lift it up. Arise!

Breathing in I am aware of my body
Breathing out I enter this moment.

Breathing in I know I am waiting
Breathing out I notice impatience

Breathing in I connect with possibility
Breathing out I feel open.

Breathing in my regrets and loss
Breathing out I hold them in lovingkindness

Breathing in I support my anxiety
Breathing out, I send tenderness to my fears.

Breathing in I feel calm
Breathing out, I arise, Here.

May this information benefit you, those you love, and all sentient beings, everywhere.

-Ellen Adelman

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013,

all rights reserved.
Artwork by Santiago Caruso, with permission of the artist.
http://www.santiagocaruso.com.ar/contact.html

Mind Body Intelligence, and MBI tm are trademark of Ellen M. Adelman PhD and the Sage Healing Institute.

For more information visit www.sagehealinginstitute.com.

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013, all rights reserved.

Kitten Season, Homeless Pups

8/4/2013

8/4/13
Kitten Season, Homeless Pups,
Adoption

A myriad of little faces with glistening eyes and bright whiskers.
Some indifferent or distracted in their cages, others rushing hopefully to see you
If you have the heart to look...
Each forlorn in their own way,the result of human manipulation gone awry.
In this safe, holding place now, because of the kindness of others.

We breed other sentient beings to receive love
Sometimes we forget that they belong to us forever
We put them out on the street,throwing them away, when they grow to be inconvenient

We forget to protect them from unwanted birth
They multiply on their own,
living a life
of urban wilderness and surviving as best they can Becoming a nuisance to be captured and exterminated.

Inextricably linked to them, we are the elder brothers and sisters of life on Earth.
We are the stewards of these little souls.
They belong to us and we to them, profoundly and eternally.
Offering them well-being and a chance for a wholesome life,heals us all.
Opening our hearts, we make the universe whole.

Whatever is in your heart, to do for our fellow creatures,
please do.

There are many ways to help, even if you are not able to offer a home.

Rescue
Foster
Donate

Here are links to two no-kill shelters in the PA area. There are many more.
https://www.facebook.com/HappyHomesAnimalRescue
And
http://phillypaws.org
or:

Donate
Advocate

Here is a link to a list of animal rights and welfare groups:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_animal_rights_groups

Breathing in I have arrived
Breathing out I am home.

Breathing in I see the bounty of life around me
Breathing out I am grateful for other beings

Breathing in I open to their presence
Breathing out I invite them into my heart.

Breathing in I take their suffering
Breathing out I send lovingkindness

Breathing in I see clearly
Breathing out I act to heal

May this information benefit you, those you love, and all sentient beings, everywhere.
-Ellen Adelman

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013,
all rights reserved.

Mind Body Intelligence, and MBI tm are trademark of
Ellen M. Adelman PhD and the Sage Healing Institute.

For more information visit www.sagehealinginstitute.com.

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013, all rights reserved.

The Moon Bestows Light

7/28/2013

7/28/13

The Moon Bestows Light

The moon bathes in the reflected glow of
the sun.
Rejoicing in the light and warmth
Softening her cold rocky skin
She becomes a beacon to the night traveler
A sign of hope and joy.

How precious is this light, so golden, illuminating and healing in the dark sea of space.
How human it would be for her to grasp it tightly
Take it down to her rocky depths and somehow try to hold it Forever.

Yet she surrenders the light without hesitation.
Warmed and comforted herself
She is free to share her greatest gifts
Bestowing her serene bounty upon us
On planet Earth, her grateful people.

We too, are free to give away that which we hold dear.
Yet we fear the empty space that may result
Deprived of our greatest treasures
We think we may never be fulfilled again.

Mindfully opening our hearts
The space created in giving
is instantly filled with something deeper
Beautifully sad and joyous at once.
A profound connection to the one who receives
An openness to the bounty all around us.

The moon sends her light but she is never bereft.
The sun loves her eternally.
She will never lack.

Breathing in I am open to the present
Breathing out I am aware.

Breathing in I am grateful to receive
Breathing out I am happy

Breathing in I connect with generosity
Breathing out I feel free to give.

Breathing in I am grateful for my greatest gifts
Breathing out I intend to give them away

Breathing in I am open
Breathing out, I am fulfilled.

May this information benefit you, those you love, and all sentient beings, everywhere.

-Ellen Adelman

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013,
all rights reserved.

Mind Body Intelligence, and MBI tm are trademark of Ellen M. Adelman PhD and the Sage Healing Institute.

For more information visit www.sagehealinginstitute.com.

© Ellen M. Adelman Ph

Wind in the Sea Grass

7/21/2013

7/21/13

Wind in the Sea Grass

Relationships seem delicate sometimes.The wind of emotion rippling across the bright water of
Our conscious minds.
The anger of a coming tempest or even the joy of a playful breeze
may cause concern.
The sea grass sways and movement occurs. Feelings arise; the calm is disturbed.

Each blade of grass is a being in our lives; some close and some far, all interconnected in a way beyond conception.
The roots of the grass are held resolutely in the mud, intertwined deeply in their silty bed; moving to the rhythms of wind, sun, and burrowing crabs.

Storms occur, sometimes shifting whole islands of the sea bed. Roots may stretch in new directions. Grasses may age and wither. Tiny emerald shoots that we adore, grow to olive green in maturity. The universe continues to unfold.

Even so, the connections endure because the bonds that hold us together are powerful, and resilient.
It would take a much greater force to detach them.

Knowing this, we are free to express that which moves us. Free to accept others without judgment; holding them with compassion, as we hold ourselves.
Reaching deeply into our hidden roots we tenderly feed them all with loving kindness.

Knowing this, we are held. Knowing this we are free.

May this information benefit you, those you love, and all sentient beings, everywhere.

-Ellen Adelman

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013,
all rights reserved.
Mind Body Intelligence, and MBI tm are trademark of Ellen M. Adelman PhD and the Sage Healing Institute.

For more information visit www.sagehealinginstitute.com.

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013, all rights reserved.

Evening Prayer

7/14/2013

7/14/13

Evening Prayer
A beautiful sunset touches us all. Remembering to look and breath is all.

We often forget the natural world and our roots; lost in what we have created, estranged from what is real.

Above us, brilliant color and delicate hues appear through no human act.
So ephemeral, so elusive, so grand, and so fleeting; these heavenly moments
ground us, somehow.

A portal is open in this instant; an invitation to align with a wholesome path, to be part of the goodness and healing
of the universe.

We may enter and see with clarity, what needs repair from today.
We may enter and feel inspired,
to act with kindness tomorrow.

We may enter and experience joy
in this glorious moment;
one with a beautiful sunset.

Breathing in I am fully present
Breathing out I am awake.

Breathing in I rest from my day’s work
Breathing out I am glad

Breathing in I am inspired by the beauty around me
Breathing out I am part of the natural world.

Breathing in I vow to repair any suffering I have caused
Breathing out I send lovingkindness

Breathing in I commit to a path of compassion
Breathing out, I am whole.

May this information benefit you, those you love, and all sentient beings, everywhere.
-Ellen Adelman

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013,
all rights reserved.

Mind Body Intelligence, and MBI tm are trademark of Ellen M. Adelman PhD and the Sage Healing Institute.

For more information visit www.sagehealinginstitute.com.
© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013, all rights reserved.

I Have Arrived; I am Home

7/7/2013

7/7/13

I Have Arrived; I Am Home

Opening the door after a long day at work or play. One deep breath of relief escapes our lips; coming home.

In this comfortable space, we are protected and safe from blazing sun or pelting rainstorm.
Here in this sacred refuge, heart is nurtured and hurts are healed.

Coming inside we see the familiar contours of the entry-way; the inviting sofa in the living room, the warm, yellow, glow of the kitchen light, inviting with the promise of something satisfying and delicious.
Human needs are acknowledged here, and lovingly fulfilled.

In this place of peace, the seed of mindfulness is often invited. Like a Benevolent Witness, fostering clarity and the courage to act with compassion, she holds us in her arms. We grow, here, into our deepest potential, as a source for wholesomeness and healing in the Universe.

The physical dwelling that we inhabit, is simply a reflection of our inner home. Through our mindfulness practice, we are able to build and enhance it, at any time, free of construction costs. No matter where we are, or in what circumstance, the path to this home must always be visible. Knowing this is the key to reduced suffering and a mindful life.

The following practice is adapted from one offered by the Zen Buddhist master, Thich Nhat Hanh. (Living without Stress or Fear Essential Teachings on the True Source of Happiness 5/1/2009).

Breathing into my body, I have arrived
Breathing out I am home.

Breathing in I notice my surroundings
Breathing out I see the path to my sanctuary

Breathing in I take in the distress inside and around me
Breathing out I send lovingkindness.

Breathing in I invite the seed of mindfulness
Breathing out I am with my Benevolent Witness

Breathing in I enter
Breathing out, I am home

May this information benefit you, those you love, and all sentient beings, everywhere.

-Ellen Adelman

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013,
all rights reserved.

Mind Body Intelligence, and MBI tm are trademark of Ellen M. Adelman PhD and the Sage Healing Institute.

For more information visit www.sagehealinginstitute.com.

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013, all rights reserved.

The Strings of the Oud

6/30/2013

6/30/13

The Strings of the Oud: tuned just so..

There is a story of the Buddha and one of his disciples named Sona, who was trying very hard to follow the path to enlightenment.

He forced himself to sit in meditation practice for many hours. He tried very hard to clear his mind of thoughts. He spent hours each day giving to others and very little time caring for his own body and spirit.

All of the monks knew of Sona’s struggle, but they were not sure how to help him.

When the Buddha became aware of the young monk’s distress, he came to see him. The Buddha remembered that Sona had been a fine musician before he took his vows.

“Remember when you played your beautiful oud?” asked the Buddha.
“Of-course, Master,” replied the young man.
“How did it sound when the strings were too tight?”
“The music was high-pitched and out of tune. Sometimes they would break.”
“And when the strings were loose?”
“The music was low and dull”, replied the monk.

“We must tune the instrument of our beings, just so,” said the Buddha. We ask ourselves to aspire to mindfulness and compassion. Yet, we must be mindful of our limits and the depth of our resources in each moment.

A gentle hand on the tuning peg allows the string to vibrate with a beautiful sound.
A gentle hand with our mind and body nurtures awakened heart, and the balance that leads to a mindful life.”

Breathing into the body, I sit on my cushion
Breathing out I feel at home.

Breathing in I notice thinking
Breathing out I gently label thoughts

Breathing in I notice restlessness
Breathing out I am kind to my body

Breathing in I accept my difficulties
Breathing out I am mindful

Sona's story(Adapted from Teachings of the Buddha edited by Jack Kornfield, Shambala Press, 1996).

May this information benefit you, those you love, and all sentient beings, everywhere.

-Ellen Adelman

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013,

all rights reserved.
Mind Body Intelligence tm is a trademark of Ellen M. Adelman PhD and the Sage Healing Institute.

For more information visit www.sagehealinginstitute.com.

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013, all rights reserved.

Pool of Serenity

6/23/2013

6/23/13

Pool of Serenity: a morning meditation

Rain softens the sunny morning with an occasional shower.
Falling into the bird bath with a startling brightness, calling the eye; drops of nourishing liquid from the heavens.

Breathing into the deep silence; enter the pool.
Ripples occur, move and diminish.
Stillness comes.
Rest in this.

Sit on the rough porcelain bottom of the bath or float.
Lift your wet head and glistening hair, and breath again.
Touched lightly by sunlight, everyone sparkles.

The scent of flowers, in full bloom, living in the morning;
Spice, honey, attar of roses, wafting on the breeze.
Filling the body, perfuming, anointing with the blessings of the day.
Breathe

Spread your wings and rise from the pool
Delicate iridescent drops fall from your body, into the bath...
What you give back

Lifted by energy, spirit and peace.
Breathing into being.
Breathing into this moment, this life,
enter the day with serenity and intention.
Unfold into grace.

Breathing into being I feel my body
Breathing out I am entering this moment

Breathing in I take in the achingly beautiful world
Breathing out I send joy and compassion

Breathing in I am lifted into the day
Breathing out I spread my wings

Breathing in I ride the currents
Breathing out I am filled with peace

May this information benefit you, those you love, and all sentient beings, everywhere.

-Ellen Adelman

© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013,
all rights reserved.

Mind Body Intelligence tm is a trademark of Ellen M. Adelman PhD and the Sage Healing Institute.

For more information visit www.sagehealinginstitute.com.
© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013, all rights reserved.

Indra's Net

6/16/2013

6/16/13

Indra’s Net

In Hinduism, the ancient name for the divine creator of the universe was Indra.
This being is said to have caused a vast and infinite net, like an intricate spider’s web, to come into existence. Indra's net represents reality; containing everything that ever has, ever will, or currently does, exist.
A jewel sits at each of the infinite number of junctures. Each one is the essence of an individual, a consciousness, or a phenomenon.

Every gem on the net is interconnected and contains the essence of every other. Any change in one, is reflected everywhere. One way to think about this is to understand these gemlike nodes of reality, as part of a vast living organism; all breathing, evolving, changing at once.

Looking deeply into the heart of any jewel, allows us to see everything; every being, in every universe, at every time and in every dimension. Although each gem has its individual nature; knowing only one jewel is all that is necessary to know everything.

Indra’s net helps us realize that we are intimately connected with other humans, other sentient beings (from animals to insects to aliens), and the very planet we live on.

Every action we take is laden with great import and responsibility. Every action we take is deeply connected to what has happened, what is happening now, and what will happen.

Mindfulness practice allows us to glimpse the intricate and interconnected nature of reality. Living here, in Indra’s net, we are all able to be responsible, powerful and kind.

Breathing in I am a jewel in Indra’s net
Breathing out I am part of everything

Breathing in I send lovingkindness
Breathing in I am touched by reflected compassion

Breathing in I am part of vast possibility
Breathing out I am responsible for change

Breathing in I refrain from harm
Breathing out I am healed

May this information benefit you, those you love, and all sentient beings, everywhere.

-Ellen Adelman
© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013,
all rights reserved.

Mind Body Intelligence tm is a trademark of
Ellen M. Adelman PhD and the Sage Healing Institute.

For more information visit www.sagehealinginstitute.com.© Ellen M. Adelman PhD 2013, all rights reserved.

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