perfectly imperfect

forget trying to get it all right, right away.
just focus on being better today than yesterday.
each step everyday added up is a  L E A P somewhere further down the path.









copyright 2012 Alisa Barry

state of grace

this sacred place you seek is right at your feet.
it is called "daily life".

the art of enlightenment

the thought of being or becoming “enlightened” can be an intimidating ideal.

like joy or happiness, enlightenment is never a constant state of bliss or all-
knowing. it happens when we experience a way of being.

small glimpses of insight + inspiration.

that is all.
that is everything.












copyright 2009 Alisa Barry

everyday enlightenment

contrary to popular belief, I have come to believe that enlightenment can happen.
i am not talking about guru level life changing transformation in an instant. it's possible, but for the rest of us ordinary folk, it leaves us feeling helpless and hopeless.
and, there is another way......

enlightenment....been writing about it my whole life, somehow. just seeking it instead of seeing it. and, now i do.

mini moments. swift glimpses. subtle glances. brilliant flash of light.
small doses of ordinary enlightenment. nothing earth shattering, but something suddenly shatters...our heart. open.

i have been "writing down the bones" for years, as natalie goldberg says.
getting itchy to put my words out in the world.
ready to recast the story so it stirs the soul and soothes the spirit.
more chapters unfolding.......as we speak. as i live. everyday...enlightenment.

need a push and a prayer. simply open your eyes and let your heart unfold.

of copyright 2009 Alisa Barry

enlightenment in seven days

Buddha told his disciples: whoever makes an effort can attain enlightenment in seven days. If he can’t manage it, certainly he will attain it in seven months, or in seven years. The young man decided that he would attain it in one week, and he wanted to know what he should do: “concentration” was the reply.
The young man began to practice, but in ten minutes he was already distracted. Little by little, he began paying attention to everything that distracted him, and thought that he was not wasting time, but was getting used to himself.

One fine day he decided it was not necessary to arrive at his goal so fast, because the path was teaching him many things.

It was at that moment that he became an Enlightened one.


From Warrior of the light by Paul Coelho

copyright 2009 Alisa Barry

equanimity is enlightenment

I learned an important lesson today. I experimented with the concept, and I noticed it worked.
It is about creating equanimity. I suspect it is different for each of us. We all have different needs to feed us, though I imagine there must be some universal qualities to those needs. This assuming, of course, that our most basic needs are met.

I learned that when I slow down and take care of the most essential things that create and contribute to my well-being, I find equanimity. I can create equanimity. When I take time to really focus on brushing my teeth, wash my face, or comb my hair, find that I feel differently. If I don't rush these things, I feel more relaxed, more centered, more even keeled about how I am starting my day. If I can carry that slower pace through the day, I find I make decisions better, more mindfully.
For me, it usually starts with some inspirational reading. I rarely wake up feeling so centered that I can single-handedly accomplish this on my own. I have to rely on my teachers. Today, it is Thich Nhat Hanh. I am reading The Art of Power. Thuy, as he is called by his beloved students, has an amazing way of saying so simply profound teachings. His words exude compassion with every lesson. This is not another "to do", but a way "to be". The greatest gift we can give ourselves is allowing ourselves just time "to be.".

When we allow this, the door is cracked open for enlightenment to enter. Welcome the guest and invite her to stay for dinner. Maybe for life.




copyright 2009 Alisa Barry