Kloncke

Well folks, it’s been quite a week!  Yesterday was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time: not because everything went smoothly and pleasantly (although some things did) but because the quality of my own engagement was extraordinarily high.  I felt able to respond with grace, patience, humor, and at least a little wisdom to whatever arose.  A raucous 4am awakening by an unexpected visitor.  Fraught group living negotiations.  A friend bravely nursing a broken heart. Dicing potatoes to feed 100 homeless men, running home to lead evening group meditation at the Fools, then hopping the train to Oakland for the East Bay Meditation Center’s People Of Color night.  Joyful or painful, every experience held its own wonder.  And because the capacity to appreciate this wonder has come to me with practice, over time, and not just because of my inborn abilities, I know that all of us are capable of this same freedom.

Next week, maybe, I’ll share some details of the day’s events, but more importantly I’d like to give thanks to some of my teachers and inspirations for living happily.

First of all, I dedicate yesterday to my dear friend Cat (above, perched), who’s been a tremendous inspiration to me on the path.  I’ll have to introduce her to y’all sometime soon, but for now I just want to say I love you, sorry I missed you yesterday at EBMC, and can’t wait to see you next.

A few online founts of inspiration have blessed me lately, too.  New to my blogroll these days are The Luscious Statyagraha; Feminist Marxism In Motion; generation justice; and queer. black. revolutionary. And I’m excited to spend more time over at Firehorse and Dangerous Harvests.

My first sangha, at the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, has been on my mind lately, and I am so grateful to Michael, Maddy, Andy, and everyone there who made me feel at home from the moment I stepped inside, removed my snow boots, poured myself some tea, and proceeded to spill it on the white wool carpet.

À todos who sheltered me in Spain last year, I’m so, so thankful for your kindness, generosity, and friendship.  Now, whenever I offer my own space to others, the pleasure of giving is that much deeper, having myself received.

Fools and friends in Vermont and San Francisco have shared with me their gifts, creativity, jokes, and insights — from the art of painting to the art of “juggling.”  Wisdom in this home runs deep.

My family continues to love and support me in humbling and ever-changing ways.  (That’s right, dad, humbling — though I might not always show it! ;))

Ryan, a partner to me in the truest sense of the word, helps me learn what it means to love radiantly, without expecting anything in return.

And to all the teachers — official and unofficial — whom I’ve been blessed to encounter on my path of waking up, I hope to show my gratitude not only by learning your lessons, but cultivating your virtues in myself.  Thank you for your loving work.

Be happy, y’all!  See you next week.