discipline as a practice of devotion

devotion to our art
devotion to our work
devotion to our family
devotion to our well-being

it's about faith that what we are doing is meaningful
it's about mindfulness in the practice of what we undertake
it's about showing up with ourselves as our offering.





copyright 2010 Alisa Barry

24/30

life is a series of experiences and circumstances.
we can get caught in the net, or we can swim off gracefully out into the deep blue sea

Today's focus of celebration: overcome hope and fear

my favorite book this year has been The Sacred Path of the Warrior. it has been both my bible and my best friend.
i remember the first time I read it- a flood of tearful recognition. it was awe-inspiring to recognize myself on the page, in all my habitual glory and goriness. that is where the path begins. being completely naked and honest about one's self.

and, not getting caught up in it. training the mind through meditation so that our everyday is not just a serious of ups and downs, excitement and disappointments. it is, as Chogyum Trunpa puts it, overcoming hope and fear.

it is equanimity.
it is enlightenment.

not there yet, but definitely on the path.















copyright 2009 Alisa Barry

the art of a soulful life

the gap between inspiration and manifestation can be huge and filled with obstacles, negativity, and self-consciousness.


mind the gap.
make something beautiful happen.
that is the story.






copyright 2009 Alisa Barry

answers

just sit.

















copyright 2009 Alisa Barry

mind the gap

after a week of sitting meditation in a Shambala shrine hall, one thing about my life became very clear. i just simply need to slow down.

moving too fast....the pace of life is sometimes like a mad race to the finish line, except we are never finished. there is always one more to-do and we never seem to get to the bottom of the list. racing, rushing, stubbornly committed to get just one.
more. thing. done.

why do I find it difficult sometimes to stop on the side of the road for a deep breathe?
mindfulness matters and discipline is an art. an art of living a soulful life.

life is short. mind the gap.
make it matter.







copyright 2009 Alisa Barry