William Martin's Blog, page 5
July 30, 2019
A Daily Dose of Tao
I have, for decades, taken regular journeys through the chapters of the Tao Te Ching, writing a daily personal journal of my travels. I have occasionally published some of these reflections (Day by Day With the Tao Te Ching, and 30 Days of Tao). Each time I do this I reinforce some some old understandings … Continue reading "A Daily Dose of Tao"
July 23, 2019
No Mind
(This post is a follow up to my previous post of Wu-Wei Mind and expands on my experience of letting go of conditioned thinking.) This is a path of letting go so there will be room to live. If we hold on to our opinions, our minds will become dull and useless. Let go … Continue reading "No Mind"
July 7, 2019
Wu-Wei Mind
Life does not have to be as effortful as I make it. When presented with a “difficulty” – that is, anything slightly different from the anticipated smooth and successful navigation of the river of my life – my mind leaps into action. It worries. It imagines scenarios and plans responses. It holds imaginary conversations with … Continue reading "Wu-Wei Mind"
June 29, 2019
Convenience
Everything can be seen as a message if I pay attention – not necessarily a profound philosophical or spiritual message, but simply a common hint and teaching from the animate Cosmos in which I live. Our electric coffee pot that is supposed to have an “off” switch has started to boil over if left unattended. … Continue reading "Convenience"
June 9, 2019
The Grammar of Animacy
Robin Kimmerer’s powerful and beautifully written book, Braiding Sweetgrass, contains a wealth of inspiration in every chapter. It is worth actually spending money to have it available beside your chair or on your bedside table. It is a marvelous combination of modern science, indigenous science, and traditional stories. In a section titled, Learning the Grammar of Animacy … Continue reading "The Grammar of Animacy"
June 5, 2019
Continuing Transformation
It is another beautiful morning in Northern California. As I sit in the quiet space of the library at the College of the Siskiyous, avoiding work on my novel, I am conscious of the many blessings I experience. Our old motor home, Brego, is sitting in a beautiful location on property that has been in … Continue reading "Continuing Transformation"
May 15, 2019
Recovery Continues
I wrote in earlier posts about the addictive nature of humanity’s relationship to Western Culture. (Addicted to Western Civilization and I Can’t Do It Alone) Each day that passes reinforces my belief that this basic addiction to distraction, ownership, and wealth accumulation that began with the agricultural revolution several thousand years ago has become a … Continue reading "Recovery Continues"
May 5, 2019
Back Home Again
We have journeyed about 1400 miles from the southern Arizona desert to the beauty of our “home turf” in Mount Shasta, California. The view in the background is of the Eddy Mountain range. We are parked on property owned by my sister and will remain here through the fall. It was quite an adventure to … Continue reading "Back Home Again"
April 13, 2019
I Can’t Do It Alone!
I hesitate to write this post because my life has been so filled with changes and transitions that to say anything runs the risk of having the ground swept out from under whatever assertion I make, as the Sacred Source continues to inform, reform, and transform my being. Certain understandings, however, have been emerging that … Continue reading "I Can’t Do It Alone!"
March 31, 2019
Addicted to Western Civilization
Chellis Glendinning, in her marvelous book, My Name is Chellis and I’m in Recovery From Western Civilization, offers a penetrating look at the essential wound of our society, from which we have, like all addicts, sought relief through denial, distraction, and pleasure-seeking. This primary wound occurred thousands of years ago and we have gradually covered … Continue reading "Addicted to Western Civilization"
