Steps along the way... in no particular order... a very informal record of some of the journey... ... all photos by cathy t
when i was walking in the woods today i had the thought of nestling inside my own heart...
not me protecting my heart...
but instead allowing my heart to protect me...
so i climbed inside and just snuggled up and it felt so safe and loving
not me protecting my heart...
but instead allowing my heart to protect me...
so i climbed inside and just snuggled up and it felt so safe and loving
Khandro Tsering Chodron, practising Chime Phakme Nyingtik with us in Lerab Ling at the 3 year retreat, 2007.
Khandro-la was... and still is... my greatest refuge in this crazy old world... a perfect example of humility and strength combined, of how to be completely oneself in any situation, never succumbing to the opinions and whims of others, unswayed by anything other than devotion to the true nature of reality.
At the very least I am reminded to aspire to this, and at the very best there are glimpses of my true self when I am completely unafraid to be truly me.
So fortunate to have shared 4 years with her earthly presence...
Gesar prosperity practice... 2008
This is one of the simpler torma offerings, made of tsampa (barley flour) and butter, and decorated with white, yellow, green and red kargyen (a mixture of beeswax and ghee). On the right of the photo you can see the smoke from the firepit, into which many offerings were made. |
I love the way the sunlight fractions off here into delicate lace shadows as it pours in through the patio-door. This was one of the places I spent in solitary retreat in the crisp French winters. 2008/9 |
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Pansies in full sun in a window-box size garden I made in a corner of the (very hot!) balcony outside one of the retreat rooms. I lived in this one for 3 years... The balcony was bare at the beginning. Over time I carried back earth, pebbles, seeds and plants to brighten it up. My sweet niece Elle chose these beautiful pansy seeds and sent them to me... they are so joyous! 2010 |
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watercolour trees in blossom
2014
This is a very spontaneous expression of joy and delight on a day that started with me feeling very low and lonely. I decided to drive over to my old art class during their coffee break, for some welcome company and some respite from myself...
They were painting trees and invited me to stay for the last 40 minutes of the class...
this painting always makes me smile... :)
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faded prayer flags against the soft dusky Himalayan sky
Bir, India 2011 This journey to India was a labour of love... the last great push before the soon to come full-blown energetic crash... in its vast, spacious, all-accepting way India clearly whispered to me that my body needed REST... most of the trip was spent horizontal, motionless, recharging my depleting energy battery... but I am so so glad that I made it there... whatever it takes, one day I'll be back... |
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29th December 2018
cognitive function returns
blurring unhurriedly back into focus
like these water forget-me-nots from the summertime
cognitive function returns
blurring unhurriedly back into focus
like these water forget-me-nots from the summertime
