When Things Suck, Be Love.

Driving back to Cochrane from our home at the lake yesterday we listened to a podcast calle "The Happiness Lab" and in particular one episode called how to confront things that suck. I have said for a while that the key to dealing with the suck or Duhka in sankskrit, is to acknowledge it, feel it, and let it go. In Buddhism it is the first of the four noble truths. You will experience unpleasant ness from time to time and lots of our own unhappiness comes from only wanting things to be pleasant and enjoyable.

Let me backup. I wanted to do a mantra for Ram in June mostly because it is the mantra I use in my personal practice most of the time. I have taught it before and wanted maybe a new spin or something that is timely. I didn't know how. Listening to this podcast where they were talking about tuberculosis (definitely in the suck category ) and finding joy in suck. And that joy almost always comes from connecting with others, doing for others, putting yourself last. The podcast was recorded in April so these are people who are experiencing the same world we currently are. Where funding is being cut to help others. When governments seem to have the main goal of increasing profit for companies and hoping that it will trickle down. I don't really want to get into politics. It is a touchy subject. But I will say this. If you consider yourself a yogi, buddhist, or follower of eastern philosophy I hope you vote with Ahimsa (do no harm) in mind, because much harm is being done.

I've been on the fence about writing a post about politcs and the role of government, the role of humans and society... I don't know if I am brave enough to write it yet but I am sticking in a toe. I am unable to volunteer to help others since my brain hemorrhage so I am will be a cheerleader for those who are. I will donate where I can. But it starts to point to an important question especially in our first world countries. What kinda of place do we want to live in? When I hear people complain about government oversight and too much control in one breath, and in the next complain that they aren't doing enough to lower food prices I am confused. The "me first" attitude that seems so prevelant in North America as of late is a bit scary. I've always believed that we should be held accountabel for how we treat the most vulnerable people in our society. And that it should extend to far beyond our borders. I know how lucky I am.

So here is the call to action for you. Strart small, Meet each person you walk past with eye contact. Treat them like humans. Speak with kindness to the people who are working to serve you; at the the grocert store, restaurants, driving transit... Think of paying taxes as leveling the playing field for the group. We pay more to help those who have less. There but for the grace of god go I. It could be me needing help. It has been me needing help. Speak up for injustice.

This month we chant

Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Ram Dass talked about his guru Neem Karoli Baba saying "Love everyone, Serve God, Tell the truth". This was the way to contentement and to connection to something bigger. Everyday he wrote in his journal. Ram ram ram ram ram ram... for pages and pages. This is what I want to channel this month, compassion, understanding, and a call to action to see god in each person you meet. If you don't believe in a god, that's fine too. Recognize that they are made of the atoms just like you, we call come from the same place literally the same stardust from space and it is a miracle that we are all here. We can at least take car of each other. It isn't a competition. Do good. Be kind. Share you time, talent and treasures. To pull on another Ram Dass quote "we are all just walking each other home".

You can hear me chant the mantra 108 times here. You can listen Ram Dass talk about his guru and love here.