Emptiness

A blast from the past before the lung infection ...

This extended period of fine weather in Weardale and surrounding places, has been a blessing for tourists visiting and locals lucky enough to be on holiday here all year. Now, the term local requires definition, since in rural outposts like Dales, with hamlets, villages and small towns, folks who are able and willing to trace their ancestors more than one generation sometimes claim the moral high ground and refer to others as incomers. Language again!  An incomer, by this definition, may wish to be considered local, but as some philosophers say, that's madness, since wishing you were something you'll never be, even if you'd rather be local in Weardale, is simply impossible in this lifetime, so the best you can do is try not to upset the true locals, be grateful if they talk to you, and enjoy the scenery while you are able. Incomers breeding with true locals, by the way, is widely recognised as an excellent idea to keep the genes healthy, so they get a free pass and the offspring count as locals. Farmers hereabouts especially those owning or having long leases on the fields growing sheep, cows, alpacas, grass and accommodation for tourists, are keenly aware of diversification in different forms like business and breeding. Their problem is the low water table and lack of rain for the grass, though the Wear still flows for tourists to splash about in and even swim in some parts.

Today's topic of Emptiness, refers to the true nature of humans grateful for the huge potential in a life lived simply, without clutter, knowing enough is enough, and that what is called void is really energy vibrating awaiting our consciousness to create whatever we desire. The ancients spoke of Ether, Rumi of The Guest House, Buddha of Emptiness and Potential, David Bohm of Emergence and Implicate Order Unfolding, Enfolding and so on and on ... same message different messenger. The message of the mystics? By all means study books and films and other media. Maybe become a scholar of mystical mysteries, with PhDs to prove your knowledge and perhaps publish a book or two. Wisdom, however, comes not from reading wise words but living each moment, wisely. All the rest is context, entertainment and a place for insights to land. It's not the outer view, but the inner view that enlightens, after all. Instinct, insight, inspiration, the clue's right there.

This nonsense has been going on for far too long; worrying about other people's view of you, why? It's not their business and vice versa. Fear of failing? Why? How else can we learn except by daring to fail and learning to fail better each time we try? Fear of Death?  Why? The body dies, as everyone knows, what comes next we may not know, but to spend our whole lives taking no risks is not a life worth living, is it?

In the probability field at this critical time, humans have clear choices. Forget the fantasies in the field of almost impossibility and focus your attention, your energy, on peace on Earth and kindness, referred to in religious stories as heaven. If you prefer to live in hell, well, good luck and bon voyage!