Real

1.

No experience is real,
only the one who experiences.

No experiencer is real,
only the awareness.

Awareness and experience
are not separate.

Neither is real.
Only reality is real.

What is reality?

A single bird is gliding swiftly
through layers of rain clouds.
Within its tender breast,
its heart is beating wildly.

The space between
each heartbeat —
listen.

2.

In the early morning rain,
I’m holding an umbrella
over my little dog while
she relieves herself.

Thick green Laurel leaves
funnel rainwater around us.

When she’s finished,
I reach down, lift her up
with my free arm, and quickly
hurry us back in to our shelter.

She runs straight to the wood stove.
The comforting heat from the fire
soothes her tiny bones.

Relaxing on a soft blanket,
she breathes out a small sigh
which requires no translation.

In her humble corner
of the world, all is well.

Everyone wants to be comforted.
Everyone wants to sigh and relax.

Everything in motion must
eventually come to rest.

Adepts are at rest in motion,
yet dynamic in stillness.

What’s the secret to their art?

Practice, practice, practice —
with senses, mind, and heart.

3/21/18