Penelope
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Sue Ellen: “Just as I am, without one plea” – very helpful, thank you for sharing.
Betsy: Thank you for the detailed description of your shrine. It sounds beautiful. Thank you for sharing the meaning behind the objects.I have “completed” one shrine. The items bring a sense of joy, comfort, and humility. I move slowly. I am contemplating the second shrine. Thank you all for the inspiration.
Hello everyone,
My name is Penelope, and I’m in Atlanta. I am very grateful to Susan and the OHP for offering these classes and to all of you for being a part of this experience. It’s wonderful to meet you. I often find life confusing, and my practice, along with classes like this one, helps me navigate through it with less confusion and more open-heartedness. Since taking “Buddhism in Everyday Life” with Susan last year, I have made it a point to keep my meditation table and space tidy. Keeping things tidy is not one of my strengths, but it has become a delight to practice in a clean, well-cared-for space with adorned meaningful items. I look forward to learning more with you all.
Thanks, Brenda, for the idea to change the profile picture!
This photo is of my bedroom. It feels like Buddha energy to me — very spacious and peaceful. A space that I can just be. Many rooms in my house have this feel. However, I intentionally added art with movement and pillows with color to create energy in the kitchen and my office.
I enjoyed learning about these families; Padma energy really resonates with me. I feel like I know that energy, and I am drawn to it. However, I also remember that in high school, my nickname was “Spacey” or something like that, and there was a period in my life where, several times, complete strangers would approach me and ask if I was lost. This seems more like confused Buddha energy! Maybe? I am new to this.
I agree with Betsy, this was fun.
What was it like practicing the Heart Sutra? Meh. However, using the recording has made the chanting feel more grounded, and the words are becoming more familiar. Thank you, Susan, for the recording; a big help! I am still processing all of this content, and I am good with my current understanding and am “not feeling it.” In other words, I am OK with it being more Meh than magic.
I have been contemplating discipline. I like the idea of discipline as the practice of coming back — it seems more forgiving and spacious. Or even returning to who I am and how I wish to be. Regarding my meditation practice, I find that if I think of it as an invitation rather than a “should” or “must,” it sets a nice tone for my practice. I am also encouraged by these words from the Dalai Lama in his book Beyond Religion: “Mental cultivation is about mental discipline, yes, but it is not meant to be a punishment.
On the contrary, it is something to be enjoyed. We should try to take delight in our practice. When we succeed in doing so, our joy helps us to progress more quickly.” I suppose this could also apply to my everyday life and interactions with others.@Matt: I relate to the appeal of not wanting to see clearly. When I have this awareness, I find this is an excellent time to remember to bring in curiosity and humor.
@Besty: Aging! You are not alone.
When I think about a current big concern, I feel a variety of feelings, depending on the day or the time of day or if I have eaten or not eaten, slept well or not slept well, etc.
The feelings bundled up with this concern range from feeling blessed and grateful for this situation to anxious, resentful, scared, and tired.
I think right view is most supportive in relation to this big concern. How I view this concern affects how I feel, which impacts how I behave. It is a process of continuously looking again, trying to see myself and this concern more accurately and from many angles and perspectives.
Hi Everyone, My name is Penelope Clements. I live between Atlanta, GA, and Santa Fe, NM. Recently, I rejoined the OHP and have enjoyed reconnecting with the community and checking out the new offerings. This course sounded fabulous, and I am grateful to have the time to participate. I look forward to sitting, learning, and meeting all of you.