Seeing Zen

Your perspective on life comes from the cage you were held captive in." - Sharon L. Adler Although at some point, I may realize I built the cage, and captivated myself. Bryan Wagner

Commitment

It takes commitment to pay attention and seek an appropriate and relative response to each and every moment. But there is an equanimity that rises, and there is a surety that I am doing the very best I can as life evolves. Bryan Wagner

TIMING

I have noticed when having thoughts of things to do in the future, I have distorted these present moments by pulling on them, saying, "Hurry up!" Having thoughts about the past drags produces a drag on time like an anchor, "Slow down time, what's the hurry?" But in sitting, doing nothing, just being, time and...

Tao of Jazz Improv

I went to a Jazz concert last night in Ann Arbor. An amazing evening and event. What I noticed was, at least from a distance, how Jazz and the meditative perspective have so much in common. Each musician was absorbed in the experience, interacting freely and without hesitation, adapting to structural changes, and moods. Sensitive...

Exclusive and Inclusive View

Exclusive: Listening to the oboe in an orchestral piece of music. Inclusive: Hearing the song, all the instruments, sensing the auditorium, the people, smells, the way the environment feels, and a sense of being. What a great ability, having attention and our ability to change the focus of our attention at will. How I react...

Caring and Belief

Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have. - Margaret Mead I think knowing this adds meaning to existence and is why I care so deeply even when all else seems to fail. Care, not out of guilt or to attain status, but care because...

Time

Today is not a bridge between past and future. Today is yesterday's future and tomorrow's past. Arising as one long day, one now, that fades away ever so soon. Take care of you and others. You need to feel balanced, if you're not OK how can you help anyone? Bryan Wagner

Tao of Congruence

To be Authentic, one needs to be congruent in speech, actions, and perspectives. - Unknown Lately I have abandoned a lot of ideals and perspectives born of ideals, from a lot of different religions, philosophies, and spiritual paths. Instead, I've focused on two simple perspectives, being congruent and relaxing into a state of constant balancing....

When I Believe I’m in Control

For several months I've been focused on the fantasy of control. Recently this dropped in while I was listening to Arcade Fires new single release off the soon to be released CD "We." I don't get to know when the lightning strikes, or the rainbow glows. I can only commit to doing my best to...

This unknown time

I no longer want to involve my being with endless chats of maybes and possibilities. Nor debate opinions, or so-called truths, whatever they may be. Or stories of her, him, and it, dancing in endless drama. Or seeking what isn't and never will be. Nor do I care to listen to empty commitments, made from...