Since I’ve come home from sitting so much has appeared. Thousands of words flew out by themselves. I wrote a piece this week that amazed me so and reminded me that writing – and everything – is not a thought process, but its own process. We do not write words but the words write us, and then we can read them along with everyone else and learn something.
The piece I’m referring to won’t be visible for a few months, and when it is on paper it will be brand new to you and me both.
What I want to say is how inextricable stillness is from motion and motion is from stillness. Either one, when unlatched from the hindrance of our repetitive critical thinking, makes things happen! When I am stuck, I go for a walk and get unstuck. When I am going nowhere, I sit still in meditation, open my mind and get somewhere.
I hope that you try it for yourself. Getting out of your own way is the way out!
Soon I’ll be in motion again near and far. I’m always inspired by the chance to meet and speak with practicing parents and/or practicing Buddhists, and if you are anywhere in the neighborhood, please go out of your way and come along:
Thurs., Nov. 20, 7 p.m.
Palos Verdes Hills Nursery School
Sun., Nov. 30, 10:30 a.m.
Rime Buddhist Center
Kansas City
Oh, getting out of my own way. What a feat that would be. But hurray for you for helping all of us do our best.
Comment by mapelba — November 12, 2008 @ 11:43 pm
A feat of the feet, m’dear.
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — November 13, 2008 @ 12:24 am
What?! No Charleston??
Comment by Kristin H. — November 13, 2008 @ 1:51 am
That is how I feel with painting. As soon as I stop LOOKING and THINKING, it just comes out on its own. Does work that way for most things too, eh?
Wish I were closer to KC (my home town). 🙂
Comment by denise — November 13, 2008 @ 3:04 am
I do need to work on this – I get better with age I swear!
Comment by Cat — November 13, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
I can’t wait to read what you’ve written!
Comment by Mama Zen — November 13, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
I’m still waiting for my words to start flying. For now, I’ll try the walking and meditating.
Comment by Jennifer/The Word Cellar — November 14, 2008 @ 1:59 am
This really spoke to me Karen, as both an artist, and a yoga teacher. Motion…stillness…perfectly entangled. I am always amazed by the transformative power of a little meditation…
Thanks for sharing this…:)
Comment by enchantedartist — November 14, 2008 @ 2:47 am
kc, mo is where my in-laws are.
sigh
can you come to dc or NoVA?
xoxo
Comment by Wendy — November 14, 2008 @ 7:51 pm
Dear friends,
I go wherever I’m asked, however I can. My in-laws are in KC, you see. If I find I’m headed in a particular direction for some other reason, I try to find kindhearted Buddhists or mothers to host a talk. (It’s sometimes harder to find kindness in the heart of a Buddhist than a mother!)
The world is vast and wide; and fits on your fingertip.
xoxo
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — November 14, 2008 @ 8:06 pm
how is it, you always write what i need to read…
exactly when i need it?
goodness, i’m so grateful for your perspective, karen.
xoxoxo
Comment by Kirsten Michelle — November 15, 2008 @ 2:03 am
Bummer, I am in JUneau, AK. But I am very inspired by your passion and your posts!
Comment by Juneau.Eco.Mommie — November 15, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
I agree, the words write us.
Comment by Mary Ann — November 15, 2008 @ 7:46 pm