mindfulness

Refuge in the 3 Jewels (Buddhism)

/ Tunnel Vision 8

Gina at a Buddhist temple in Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand (Feb. 2023).

Refuge in the 3 Jewels:

  • Buddham Saranam Gacchami – I take refuge in the Buddha.
  • Dhammam Saranam Gacchami – I take refuge in the Dhamma.
  • Sangham Saranam Gacchami – I take refuge in the Sangha.

Quotes by Sharon Salzberg (from her book, “Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience”):

I TAKE REFUGE IN THE BUDDHA.

For devotional Buddhists, the Buddha is a refuge because they perceive him as a living energy, capable of providing loving shelter.

The word Buddha (Pali language) means one who has completely awakened from ignorance, one who has fulfilled his or her vast potential for wisdom and compassion.

A human being with human capacities. He asked the kind of questions any of us might ask about the nature of our existence: Born into a human body, vulnerable and helpless. To grow old, get sick and die. To have a human mind that can careen thru anger, joy, lust, pride in the space of a morning? Is there a quality of freedom and happiness that won’t disappear as the conditions of our lives change? It is taught that the Buddha discovered answers not through revelation from a supreme being, but through the power of awareness that is inherent in all of us. For some he is refuge by virtue of this inspiration.

I TAKE REFUGE IN THE DHAMMA.

Taking refuge in the dharma, we are taking refuge in a vision of life that extends beyond our usual, limited sense of who we are and what we are capable of.

The more clearly we see the dharma, the way things are, the more clearly we see the inevitability of impermanence.

I TAKE REFUGE IN THE SANGHA.

The community of those who, throughout history, have sought freedom from suffering and have come to a real and personal awareness of that freedom.

I began to understand that those who are committed to realizing the truth can animate potential within us that might otherwise lie dormant. Taking refuge in the sangha, I could feel the force of life itself.

The voice of the sangha was reminding me that I was not traveling alone.

(For more information on Buddhism: triplegem.org)

Entanglement

/ Tunnel Vision 8

We must heal our minds – Bhante Sathi (triplegem.org)

As I become more wise, I see the physical world wants my attention (and takes me away from working on my Self). It is so easy to become distracted and entangled in earthly matters. I must decide where to put my time and energy. Therefore, there are several questions I must ask myself:

  1. What will help me grow towards love and light?
  2. How can I use my energy and presence to help people?
  3. What is worthy of my time?
  4. What is the path of wisdom and self-knowledge?

As a yogi, I must focus on the chakras. Yoga is a noble path. Yoga and meditation keep me clear in my head and calm in my heart. It is the right path for me. I must stay on this path. I need to increase my practice, especially if I am struggling in any way.

The Internet and all computer devices are not the path to wisdom. They are entanglements to the human – something that distracts us from love and light. The dosage matters – small amounts of conscious, wise interaction are okay. Be aware of the addiction and algorithms that keep us enslaved to cell phones.

We are at a crossroads with technology. Some technology is beneficial, but the computer (mainly the cell phone) is damaging humans. Do we want to be entangled with technology?

I am sending a severe warning to all humans. Do not get entangled with a cell phone or any computer device. They are traps to the human mind.

I propose that we use cell phones minimally. Do not allow yourself to be entangled for hours on any device. The computer plays with the ego, and this is not healthy.

We need to bring ourselves back to silence and deep meditation (do not use a cell phone or any device for audio or video meditation). Meditation must be in a distraction-free environment.

As a yogi, I light a candle and burn some incense. I practice gratitude, mantras, yoga, and meditation every morning. In the evening, I recite mantras and meditate before I go to sleep. The mind must be clear (not filled with online garbage).

Become a clear vessel.

We each have a choice – we can set ourselves free or become entangled with technology. What is the path to wisdom and self-knowledge?

Namaste.

Reflections by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz – Part 2 (2/2)

/ Tunnel Vision 8

Heart-centered – Pen drawing by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz

Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz is my friend and mentor. I have known her for 30 years. She is a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, and she has devoted her life to teaching and providing spiritual counseling. Sister Lucy was born on November 16, 1936 and she died on March 28, 2022.

Here are some reflections by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz (from her journals):

Dreams (2003)
Hold fast and move toward your dream - help others to apply their wisdom to their lives. I believe
every human being has the potential to be their own leader, teacher, visionary, and healer.

Spiritual Spa (Aug. 2003)
Every moment realizing that the wonderment growing inside me is the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

The Dynamic Life (Aug. 2003)
Resource your body's vitality and learn to sustain it.
Learn to bring the benefits of meditation into your daily life.
Learn to listen in a whole new way to self and others.
Revisit your values and purpose.
Write a livable plan for your personal and professional goals.
Develop relationships with women who will support you.

O' Great Spirit - (Aug. 2003)
Gratitude (Aug. 16, 2003)
Good morning, everyone and every sentient being! What a great over-sized day it is - soft air, moist air, and needed rain. Mother Earth is thirsting for rainfall to seed her wounded places, crops, and ground.

Key Mission Purpose (Sept. 2003)
I received profound guidance from an inner source that I call "the God/dess within and from above." I think and feel the experience that my purpose on the planet, in this body, is to turn other's direction within to find their own sources of inner guidance. Helping people to be strong within themselves.

My Earth Walk (Oct. 15, 2003)
I felt I stood between
Heaven and Earth
I pondered the moon waning
above my head
I reflected the sun rising
behind my body
I saw balance around me
Oh! What a great feeling 
as if I was moving and 
yet standing still
Thank great Mother Earth for
your gift of great lights
that give energy to 
continue our journey

Samhain (Nov. 3, 2003)
I see and experience Mother Earth rends her bright garments in mourning for the Summer King and life retreats into the underworld. It is our fitting custom to mourn together all we have lost in the past year and to speak to our Beloved Dead when the veil between worlds is the thinnest. 

My Heart (Sept. 21, 2006)
Every  chamber is open with deep gratitude for the revelation of such great love pulsing throughout my body - this fragile and marvelous vessel. I beg that I will hold the Divine energy pulsing in me and to share it with those I meet. Keep me vigilant of your presence. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the graces you shower upon us.

Beauty, Balance, and Delight (Nov. 2006)
During these tenuous times, we need the power of creation more than ever - beyond simply resisting what we do not need, to be clearly focused on creating what we do want. As we bud and flower our own small, cellular communities that are rooted in balance, steeped in beauty, blossoming delight, we create a living force with these qualities as its cornerstones. That force has the power to infuse the planet, changing the course of the world. Together, we will dance, sing, create poetry, walk the labyrinth, aspect spirit, and raise ecstatic energy in sacred ritual space. 

The Rose (Feb. 10, 2008)
"Let this Rose say what words have failed."
Say to my Goddess
Perhaps one day, though, we'll be able to say, 
"My love burns for you with the passion of a thousand suns."
Without the need of any material gifts.
But, for now, let these flowers carry the message for you.

Pachamama: Our Mother Earth (Sept. 8, 2008)
We have come from you
We will return to you
We walk with you
Before and after
Yes, we live within your 
protective womb
Where there is water, fire, nature, minerals and the 
crust of the earth enfolding us
Each brings us clarity freely
Sister Lucy leading a women’s retreat.
(Steven’s Point, Wisconsin, 2003)

			

	


			
				


	

							
Reflections by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz – Part 1 (1/2)
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		








The Wind – Painting by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz





Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz is my friend and mentor. I have known her for 30 years. She is a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis and has devoted her life to teaching and providing spiritual counseling. Sister Lucy was born on November 16, 1936, and died on March 28, 2022.





Here are some reflections by Sister Lucy Bruskiewicz (from her journals):





Paradigm Shift (2000)
Never forget that all things are connected to each other and to you. Nothing is isolated by distance as the winds blow in all directions. If we can deeply understand and act upon this concept - we will experience the harmony needed to sustain life on Earth.

Listen from the Heart (2000)
Be willing to discover something about yourself in someone else's story. Spiritual truths have not been expressed throughout time and in mathematical formulas but in art, music, dance, drama, poetry, stories, and artistic rituals.

Poem: Human Situation (2000)
Love
Every heart is first an apprentice
Self-acceptance
A sense of belonging

Revelation (May 2000)
To discover God's desires for union. He chases us. He wants us to chase after him. God desires his people.

Queen-dom: Saving Action of Love (May 12, 2000)
God/dess reigns over us, transforming grace. To be a shift-shape shifter, shaped by transformed hearts, be recreated by love - the starting point. We are created in love (free gift). What awakens the good news for ME? The gifts of God's love re-center our lives from self-centered to heart-centered.

The World of Nature (Aug. 31, 2000)
     I hear the call of the birds contributing their energy to bring harmony and balance. I hear the geese and ducks honking, and they move south, leaving their vibrations behind.
     I see the lone morning dove perched on the line, looking over the earth in stillness. I revel in the beauty of flowers giving way to a new season, gradually letting go of blossoms for new seeds to come forth. Thank you, Mother Earth and Father Sky, for all your beauty below and above.

Wonders (Oct. 15, 2002)
Wonder-ful in the duality that connects us to our nature - our center. I discovered deeply within myself that I arrive at the core of myself by opening up my senses - through awareness. What are WONDERS in my life?

Air Shower (Dec. 2002)
     As I look up into the sky, I see a flock of circling birds. They were unusual in many ways. My mind drifted to identifying these sky huggers. Most of them were white underneath and black colored backs. A few were all white feathered, spacing themselves in between the others. They all were connected within the mandala style pattern - circular most of the time. 
     I stood with curiosity as they came around many times. It seemed they flew down into the lower ledge and circled back - closer to me each time as they made their round. Oh, such grace and togetherness! They displayed enjoying the sunshine as I did. It almost seemed like they were caught in an air current of ease and fun, allowing themselves to be moved with the breath of Mother Earth. I wonder where they are resting from their flight tonight. Thank you for your beauty of flight of color and dance.

My Journey Inward (Dec. 11, 2002)
Gradually my attention gathered momentum as I allowed myself to go into deeper relaxation on the inside. Centering myself, my journey evolved into an experience of connection to the very core of myself to the marrow of my bones. My roots came from the herons joining me at my head and beyond. I came to a place of wilderness. The doe assisted my coming and stayed present for me during my coming and later grazed nearby. I also sensed another animal near my face area as if she wanted to lick my face. She was dark and sort of long snooted. She disappeared after a short time. 

O' Great Spirit of our World (Aug. 16, 2003)










Justice: She Knows All (Dec. 2003)
Justice, who are you?
Justice, what are you?
Justice, where are you?
Response:
I am the one who walks tall and is supported by all.
I look within to the very small, riveted within the heart.
I stand gazing, ready to give my all. 

Late Autumn (Dec. 2, 2003)
Dusting Snow
When did she fall?
Perhaps before my arrival
Propelled by the wind and cold
Dusted the earth here and there
Not just every where
But enough to be noticed 
In her stillness it is noticed
Even surprised
With faint, soft footprints
Does the flower garden like the peppered blanket embrace?
Lying there almost unseen
Each preparing only to go deeper
Rooting themselves in darkness






Sister Lucy in Cleveland, Ohio (November 16, 2019).







			

	


			
				


	

							
Gaia & Noosphere
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		













After reading several ancient texts, the message is clear: We must return to nature. However, we must understand nature in a new way. The ancient masters tell us that we must see everything as energy. The trees, flowers, mountains, and animals are pure energy – just like us. Once we have a higher consciousness, we can “see” nature differently.





For this we need to evolve the intuitive level of the brain, to overcome our alienation from nature, and live in harmony with the Earth. – Joseph Chilton Pearce





The noosphere combines the mind and the biosphere. The combination creates creativity. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin writes about human evolution, but not biologically. He is referring to higher states of consciousness, spirituality, and energy. Unfortunately, modern technology (ancient technologies are okay) and AI are pulling us away from nature – so this is not the path to enlightenment.





The path to enlightenment is through Gaia. The Gayatri mantra is known as the “Mother of the Vedas.” The hidden knowledge is that the only way to enlightenment is through the physical world. So, now we understand how precious we are as human beings. Many distractions take us away from our spiritual growth on Earth. We must be aware of these distractions and put sincere effort into our spiritual practices.





The biosphere has energy called aether (or ether). It is considered the fifth element and has electrical energy (free energy). We can reach the aether atop a mountain. Again, this is nature – something we need to reconnect with. We can train our senses to become tuned to these higher frequencies. The ancients talked about using our senses – our gifts as human beings.





As Pierre Teilhard de Chardin writes, the new human is intuitive, connected to the senses, works with the chakras in the body, meditates, and is united with all life. Most ancient texts talk about oneness and reducing “selfishness.”





Meditation is a spiritual practice that can help us reach enlightenment in this lifetime. With meditation, we learn to live in the present moment, connect with our senses, and become mindful of the breath (the wind within us). We are the elements.





Our ancient ancestors connected with the moon, sun, and stars (astrology). Looking up is powerful and lifts us toward heaven. Just think about what we do when we look at our phone – we look down. The enlightened human looks up at the sky. We lift our heads to honor the cycles of life.





The moon and the sun are guiding forces in nature. They are the yin and yang of life. Many ancient texts talk about solar connections, like the solar plexus in the human body. Many Eastern spiritual practices, like Qigong, work with solar energy. Also, the moon connects with the subconscious mind – our dreams and deepest thoughts. The full moon invites us to go deeper.





We must return to nature with a new consciousness. Many think that the ancient ancestors were primitive and innocent. However, they had sophisticated mathematics and sacred geometry. Everything is cyclic. We are part of ancient wisdom.





Namaste.






			

	


			
				


			
				


			
				


	

							
Everything’s Figureoutable
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		













About two months ago, my right ear started hurting. I thought I had an ear infection. So, I went to a minute clinic to check on my ear. At the clinic, I discovered my blood pressure was high, and I didn’t have an ear infection. The nurse practitioner said I should go to urgent care right away. But instead, I went to my regular clinic the following day.





My mom has high blood pressure – so it could be hereditary. Also, I am getting older too. I did not take the Covid-19 vaccines (unvaccinated), so I know it’s unrelated. The doctor did some labs, and everything looks great. So, I now need to take my blood pressure twice a week and then report it to my doctor after a few weeks.





I am a health-conscious person, so I get worried about my health. So, I’m trying to manage my blood pressure by taking herbs and CBD oil, practicing deep breathing, exercising, and doing more gentle yoga. I’m also trying to reduce stress in my life. 





I know everything’s figureoutable. I noticed that I’m more present in my body and mind when facing challenges. I want to figure out how to solve my problems.





When we have health issues, it’s an opportunity to explore more about ourselves. We can grow and learn through our challenges. Some things can be scary – no doubt. It can turn your life upside down if you’re not feeling well.





But when we look at the bigger picture – it calls us to re-examine our lifestyle. Everything’s figureoutable. We can become closer to God (or our higher consciousness). I know when I’m sick, I pray more. It calls us to go inward and focus on our spirituality.





Thankfully, my ear no longer hurts. And I’m on the road to healing my heart and getting back to a healthy blood pressure.





Namaste.

			

	


			
				


	

							
Mental Virus
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		


May each day bring you a little less under the sway of the fears, inhibitions, and lies that are certainly the heritage of your individual and collective past, yet in which (consciously or unconsciously) you still indulge in the present. And may each day bring you more and more surrender to freedom and love. – Jean-Yves Leloup






I am working more intensely with my mind and thoughts. About a month ago, I thought my mind had a mental virus. My mind created jealously, insecurity, and negative thoughts. I told myself, “If I don’t control my thoughts, I’m in big trouble.”





Thankfully, I have restored my peaceful mind. I think turbulence in my marriage sparked the “mental virus.” The crisis in our marriage led us to build a stronger marriage. My husband and I reconnected with the help of a book called, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman. I highly recommend this book.





My imagination is what got me in trouble. I played scenarios, in my mind, that were not true. Jean-Yves Leloup says, “It is our imagination that needs to be healed.” 





I tried many things to control my mind. I tried to push away images, but they would return. The best way, I have found, to let go of negative thoughts is to say to myself, “Please forgive my thoughts.” 





Another way to redirect my mind is to ask myself, “What do I want to focus on?” Sometimes it’s best to put on blinders like blinkers on a horse. Sometimes I need tunnel vision!





Meditation can help me control my mind. If I have too many thoughts, I use a mantra during my meditation. I like using “Sat Nam” (true identity) or “Om So Hum” (I am that). I noticed that I need to meditate every morning – it prepares my mind for the rest of the day.





To settle my anxious mind, I need to remind myself that I will be okay no matter what. I need to trust God and the Universe. There are some things I can’t control – it’s a wake up call to bring nonattachment, equanimity, and peace within myself.





To go forward with my peaceful mind, I am using the concept of “out of sight, out of mind.” I can do this by staying in the present moment and being careful about what I allow into my senses (what I watch, listen to, and participate in). Also, I must remember information on the Internet can bring me down the “rabbit hole” – places I may not want to go.





To keep a pure mind and heart, I must learn to create a sense of peace inside and outside of myself. If I want to evolve into higher consciousness, I need to connect with the higher vibration of love and gratitude. I am thankful for so many things!





And lastly, I must forgive myself. I need to give myself compassion and love. I learned a lot about my mind. It’s a gift to have this self-realization. 





Namaste.

			

	


			
				


	

							
The New Human
						

			 / Tunnel Vision 8								

			


		

		








Humans are awakening up to their divinity. A new awakening is arising – just like the sun. 





The new humanity will follow in the footsteps of Buddha and Jesus. “The vocation of servant leadership is a call to become as he was in the world – the new humanity, hetero pacificus – the peacemakers whom Jesus called ‘blessed’ in his catalogue of the truly happy people,” Bennett J. Sims said in his book, Servanthood: Leadership in the Third Millennium.





We must strive to become peacemakers with an enlightened mind. “This is meditation. Not taking anything for granted. I mean, we should be grateful and think how fortunate we are that we have this fascinating experience. I call it the laboratory of mind and body. But it seems that though this mind and body are so close to us, they are in many ways so very far away,” Godwin Samararatne said in his book, Discovering Meditation.





Lately, I’ve felt a touch of emptiness in my life. At first, I felt afraid of it. But then, during my meditation, I realized that when something is empty, there’s an opportunity to fill it with something new. I want to fill that space with love, peace, mindfulness, and equanimity.





“So this place of meeting our edge, of accepting the present moment and the unknown, is a very powerful place for those who wish to awaken and open their heart and mind,” a quote by Pema Chodron.





The new human understands impermanence and attachment. I am working on having less attachment in my life. In the last month or so, I’ve had a few challenges in my marriage, and I can see how much attachment I have to my husband.





Every day I remind myself to let love guide me, not fear. I am afraid of losing my husband. But, in reality, everything is impermeant – even my marriage. However, I want to learn more about my relationship with my husband, and I’m grateful that we both want to work on our marriage.





“Buddha’s doctrine: Man suffers because of his craving to possess and keep forever things which are essentially impermanent. This frustration of the desire to possess is the immediate cause of suffering,” a quote by Alan Watts.





The new human has a lot of work to do! But we can transform ourselves into hetero pacificus. To transcend into peacemakers, we need a peaceful and enlightened mind, live in the present moment, understand impermanence, and live every day with love in our hearts.





Namaste.