Fireside III
It is to the Village Square that the townspeople come to exchange views and thoughts on their beloved spiritual philosophy, learning from each other in kindness and wisdom. Then when their minds have been filled, they retire to the tavern on the western side of the square where they share in social discussion, learning of each other’s events and challenges, happinesses and sometimes sadnesses, too. With a mug or glass in hand, they collect in front of the great Fireplace that dominates the long wall. Benches and chairs are often filled on market day with those who have come from farther away, bringing news of events and views the local people delight in hearing.
If you are feeling disoriented by all the philosophical talk by the fountain in the Village Square, then come sit down on the bench here with us for a while just to soothe your mind and share a mug of tea or coffee. Let’s all make sure the conversation is quiet and simple, caring and thougtful, exactly the kind of talk you might have around a warm hearth, the only light filling the room coming from the fireplace.
This is the third installment in the Fireside discussion series. After we reach 900 comments, the page takes too long to load on your computer, and so we start another fresh page. To review previous discussions, we keep the old pages (Fireside I and Fireside II) which you can find under the ‘Village’ tab on the navigation bar at the top of screen under the image of the tree.
Glad you had such a good B-day Tex Anne-you are a great friend to us. I looked up at the beautiful full moon in Washington State USA a few nights ago and suddenly felt such quiet peace and connection to you all. I read all the posts and thanks everyone for writing. I’m so happy to hear of your freedom after a long time A. Love that. Love ya all!
Lawrence – that is me to a T!
Bernard – the sock – it took me complete surprise!
I just got up from the floor. literally – roflmao!
Such Grotto Fun that was.
Everyone – This birthday was just about the best one ever!
THANKS!
You know what would be neat – if everyone would go outside
at a certain time, and take a picture of the moon (it would have to be full)
and then post them. Silly, but kinda neat! Or the sun or the sky!
I have the craziest calmest feeling of goodness this year.
I can’t put it into words. But I have no doubt that the Course it true.
And that is finally reassuring… no longer a threat.
Ken said that Helen said (I’m paraphrasing here)
‘I don’t believe the Course, even though I know that it is true!’
I love that Ken (and the Course) said that we don’t have to stop having our
special relationships…. “Salvation does not ask that you behold the Spirit
and perceive the body not. It merely asks that this should be your CHOICE.”
Did I just quote the Course? Yep, I did.
Can you think of a better place to do it?
Love to erryone
Something something something…. that you may see the world of flesh no more except to heal and comfort and to bless.
So back to singing silly Christmas songs in my little Lioness/Linus corner….
pluggin along, studying this or that, waving at peeps as they walk on by…
and MAYBE -just maybe- dropping the occasional water balloon!
Sunday am I so enjoyed being home and in the Village.
I went to the birthday gallery page and made note of different folks b’days from last year and this year and put them in my phone and alarmed them for the day before and day of. Nina’s I made two days in advance and should make Winnie’s the same…speaking of which.. Winnie when is your Bday and Lawrence when is yours…please do tell, would love to know Bev’s and Lisi’s and a’s and Zafu’s too!! It would be grand to have EVERYONE who comes here go the the Birthday Gallery and sign in at the latest post and put their birthday down so we can celebrate you and remember you on or near abouts your day.
I went looking for my horoscope in the Village Square from Lawrence cause I’d like to cut and paste it. Now I know it must be in the fireside, but while in the square came across some great posts from Winnie last August talking about parts she was reading in Chaps 3 and 4. Those parts when one reads through again that you go…wow, this is like the first time.
a I’m happy for your lightness
really happy to hear your newly found lightness a
love to everyone M
Wow, serious Wow, Mr A. That was so beautifully said, and obviously so beautifully experienced. You really managed to share that with me. I could feel that sense of being lifted out of this world, looking back at it as something so insignificant and small. I’m going to try to spend this day keeping that perspective in the back of my mind, that my weighty problems are actually so infinitesimally small when seen from that other place. Then why, oh why, is something in me attracted back to thinking they are so grand and important and life-determining? Ahhh, the key is there… so ‘life-determining’. Whereas what you are sharing with us, this marvelous perspective from way above the planet, is in fact so very Life-affirming.
So glad to see you among us, Michele. Yes, I would welcome any pictures you all have, and would find the time to put them up in some gallery. Time to get us all having some fun again. I have more reserves now for computer work since I no longer have any building work for the moment. Lots of market work, but it doesn’t tire me out in the same way. So all’s well.
TEX – The Grotto, I really had so much fun there, I remember it well. Sheesh. All sorts of weird stuff went on there. I’ll have to fess up though. I was always a little concerned when I saw one of your posts because pretty often there was something in it I just couldn’t understand!! I felt soooo dumb, and didn’t want to ask what the subtle meaning was that I was missing, especially when everyone else seemed to be getting it. I even had to think twice about your ‘many happy returns’, which was really great when I got it!
So here’s here to little Brother small and helpful who, I’m afraid, still hasn’t been able to find his habit since that fateful evening by the pool and has been wandering about in a Hawaiian print shirt and shorts given him kindly by Zafu, and wearing a cowboy hat you gently placed on his head. He’s a good sort, and often asks me how things are going in the new Village. I reassured him all is well, and told him that Nina would certainly knit him a pair of socks for Christmas if he wanted. He told me he wouldn’t need them, since he was off to visit Zafu, but that it was certainly a nice thought.
Am I getting off subject here?
And so I shall end with a truly beautiful thought that Anne sent in:
“Salvation does not ask that you behold the Spirit
and perceive the body not. It merely asks that this should be your CHOICE.”
This is the answer to so many of our questions, and gives us the perfect method for finding true peace. Love to you all, B.
New post on the home page, folks. Another video. Okay, I’m still practicing sounding ‘normal and relaxed’. I’m a slow learner, what can I say? But I’m getting there, don’t you think?
Don’t find the video, B. Only Murrils post. Can you give a linK maybe?
hugs
nina
Hi Nina, I can’t figure out where you found Murril’s post. Just click on ‘home’ at the top of this page to get to the home page, and either click on the link at the top where I present the video for today (next to the youtube icon), or scroll down till you find it. It’s called Heaven is just an arm’s length away. Otherwise this is the link to the youtube site:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCtf5eREXPc
Dear friends – Another gem from Ken’s Q942, last paragraph:
“When you feel a gnawing sense of loss or despair in relation to being a Course student, it is because the ego slithered its way into becoming your study partner. Rest assured, our journey back to Heaven and into God’s Loving Arms is not predicated on sacrifice. And neither Jesus nor the Holy Spirit will ever make us give up anything we really want.”
Perfeck (:
(Winnie, you’re right – a printed book of these Q&As would be great. (although digital also works for me given my travels – easy access on the Web- got to love the Web (:
The 320th day of the year now. 45 days to go ! (:
Many thanks to Lawrence, Kendall, Michele, Bernard – so glad you were able to share my lightness of being with me. Truly a wonderful 18-hour period or so.
And while I can report that it no longer exists as it did when I wrote that post two nights ago, there is the lingering enchantment of that time. And I think, thanks to my writing it down here, and sharing it with my wife and a few friends over the phone, it will always be there !
The last time I remember such a significant alteration of mind towards a wholly different level of living in this world was in Nov 2005. And I remember that events of that day very well too.
Even this morning, when something threatens to alter my state of mind and bring it crashing down (body feeling heavy is one of them, post-food most often), somewhere in the recesses of my mind, that sweetness I spoke of makes itself known. I cannot help but smile when I remember it. Some things just cling to the memory. And I have a feeling that this experience is one of those. Just like the first time I fell in love. Or the second. Or the third (:
(The third time was my wife in 2007. I’m planning to introduce her to new acquaintances as my ex-girlfriend (:
(For those that are wondering, the first time ended in disaster. 2001. I didn’t breathe for 3 years after that break-up (:.
The second time, the girl didn’t even know I had fallen in love with her. Perhaps she did, and was subtly telling me that it wouldn’t work. She put her hand out on my fore-arm at a party (we had become friends by then – it was a month or so after I met her), and told me she was very excited. I asked her why. She said she had met a wonderful man. I smiled. And walked home, and cried myself to sleep.
I know, i know. Such childish behaviour for a man in his 30s (: — but hey, it was that kind of love, the kind that instantaneously empties you out and fills you up. Simultaneously. (Not my line by the way. Ken Wilber, if you’re interested (:
So there ends my ramble, dear friends — Bernard bro, I need to write you a separate note on your videos. (haven’t been through the second one fully yet, but the first one has been quite interesting in my experience, have to write you separately on that, not buried within this gobbledy-gook of a ramble (: (no, don’t worry – am not judging myself… (: – just making fun of my writing style, it’s good not to take myself too seriously (;
Wish you all a day full of smiles,
a
Thank you Bernard the videos are lovely and so are the writings of everyone here. love ya all
“Love would set a feast before you on a spotless white table in a quiet garden,……..”
Gratitude to Bernards newsletter for reminding me of Winnie’s gift to the Village, and of course to Jesus.
Good’night,
a
Love it all!
Especially the hot cacao part…
I have taken to dissolving the cocao squares for hot chocolate.
The baking kind. Very creamy.
Then add the requisite flavours.. and of course the sugah or sugar substitute!
And just fyi – a little trivia…
“Cocao” refers to the waxy bean-type product…
“Cocoa” refers to the powder!
Big hugs for all the sweater-wearing, fireside-dwelling, hot chocolate-sipping Students!
In my language we say “kakao” _ even though it is the powder type !!! oh these confusions
:::giggles:::
today I am going to see “tree of life” for the second time. I read that the director Mallick had a very special form of directing: each character may have a LOT of lines – but when it came to the scene, mallick told them to stpr speaking at all and just thinking the words instead. That made so much sense to me: all the persons were so completely expressive by being silent.
I think I would be a great mallick-actor 🙂
love you all
nina
Just want to make sure I have everyone’s correct email address. Did anyone NOT get the recent “Village Tribune” I sent out? (meaning: Village newsletter)
Hm – I have the one i have had for years – did not get the Tribune –
got mine
Hi Bernard, I got the email from you and thank you! I am looking forward to some vacation time next week when I will be able to rest and linger around the Village and watch your videos, etc. Love you guys.
Yoohoo! (yoo…hoooo… Echoes through the Tavern)
Annnyyyooonnneeee Home….?
(Makes himself a big mug of mochaccino, munches on some almond biscuits. Looks around, no one there, dips biscuit in coffee)
I am here, Bernard.
(moving closer to the fire, knitting and occasionally sipping hot Yogi tea.) mmmm almond biscuits…are those the ones that Proust talked about – the Madeleines?
Thank goodness you’re here, Nina! It’s just the two of us. Nice warm fire, eh? Look at your cute sockies. Did you knit them yourself? I like the pompoms on the toes! Could I share some of your tiramisu? It looks so creamy yummy, and next to the fire it’s going to melt so fast, you’ll need help eating it! Look, who’s that coming in the door? Hey, it’s …
Dear Bernard, thank you for your mail ! I’m still here , I tried to answer your mail but it came back undelivered. Now I will check out your youtube video. Lots of Love to All Villagers !!!!
hi
good to see you … been a while!
oh, and thanks for the mail … yes I got it
and loved the way to start the day video and the peppermint mocha how to begin to detach and forgive and be happy video
much mahalo for all your recent village activities and presence and presents of goodies here by the fire!
no need to be redundant, … yet oh my … things are just so wonderful and beautiful here in hawaii
have certainly been gifted a life style upgrade!!
long morning walks on the beach and watching the sunset every evening
even the all day attending to mom is good fun … she’s doing sooo good that hospice says they’ll have to graduate her from the program soon
she no longer qualifies evidently as someone in need of their generous and gracious kind care
so anyway … here by the fireside, not a care in the world, happy to come on in and see the tribe slowly showing up one by one
no hurries, no worries
am so happy this cozy place is here
Here, Bernard (:
No internet the last 48 hours !! ):
Ciao,all.
a
*comes down the stairs from the sun-room loft above tavern* Oh hi everyone, I’m here I was just stretched out on all the big comfy over-sized throw pillows that I was nesting in upstairs watching the clouds through the skylight sorta meditating.
Never did get that lotus position thing, never got how purposely putting your body in an uncomfortable position helped you still the mind…oh wait that could apply to most everything…Tee hee
Oh! Hedda, Long time no see. Glad you could stop by for a bit.
Hi guys – i can’t come into the Tavern right now because i have set up an “Occupy the Right Mind camp” just outside.
salutations Comrades of Another Way – “together or not at all”
Richard
I have recently been given a ministry in the land of Ladonia. People like you are asked to apply for citicenship. They are needed! I am a Minister there for doing silly things for their own reason, and you just proved that you are one of us.
And I am now exiting the Tavern to give you and the other occupants (?) a nice cup of coca with whipped cream. Welcome to stay as long as you want!
(-Do you want cognac with that?)
Nina
OH! Richard How Could You! I’m on the other side of the village square setting up the Abandon The Left Mind camp. It is all about letting go of the harsh, critical, analytical,judgemental thought process and there you are setting up a camp opposite to mine and in opposition to …….Oh wait………
And Pam – would you like some whipped cream with that?
(I have in fact whipped a BIG amount – enough to both camps – AND cute little cream-cannons are available at request in my cottage.
FOOOD-fight!
nina
Yay – a sit-in! I haven’t done one of those for ages. Let’s block the door to the Tavern. Only those who put a dollop of Nina’s cream on their nose and pledge allegiance to both Richard’s and Pam’s causes may enter and partake of the freshly baked blueberry pie with a shortbread crust. So, how many for the Right Minded campers, and how many for the Leaving the Wrong Mind camp? Let’s just say Everyone.
BTW, Pam, I forgot all about the sun-loft! What a great addition, it’s going to be one of my favorite places this winter, that’s for sure. I can just see it with those huge throw cushions and thick pile carpet. Or is that tatami mats? And plants. Lots of green soaking up all that sun. We won’t miss the summer at all!
Hi Hedda!! I have a few emails to get back to which I’ll try to do later tonight, but no promises. But my love to you all.
Ummm Nina yes lot’s of whipped cream and a splash of cognac please. Ya know after the.. Oh wait.. pause I relise that it is just a difference of form not of content and that it is such a little gap between Richard’s and my camps that we could easily join together.(:
And a whipped cream fight just for the pure silly fun of it Wooo Hooooo …..Splat …. and then we can wander over by the belfry and Texy will wsh us all off with her well aimed water ballons.((:
Now THAT I call Love in action comrades! Allons enfants de la Patriiiee …
I had a “moment” the other day….
Thinking about forgiving someone for something or other….
Then it came to me. Perhaps I could just forgive myself
For believing in this dream.
For wanting it to be real.
And (letting reason take another step here)
And for deciding against Oneness… Against God….
And thus for separation!
Forgive myself for ever thinking (if only for a moment)
That I – or anyone – could ever be separate from God!
Forgive us, Tex, for being a little irreverant! Lovely words, and beautiful thoughts of yours. Thank you for bringing them here and joining with us in that wonderful place of healing and remembrance. We are not separate and God is not unreal.
Had a chance to listen to the second video on the weekend and the arm’s length approach works very well for me. For some reason a tiny animated bluebird (like the birds in Walt Disney’s Cinderella) takes the thought away. I’ve decided it is to enjoy the lightheartedness of the moment. The other thing I’ve been doing for a while if I notice I’m judging someone in my mind or someone else I’m with is judging I just imagine all of us holding hands with Jesus. It helps me remember wholeness and innocence.
Bev, that’s a great thought. I can see that, too. It helps me knowing that you’re all there trying to share this same perception of wholeness and innocence, honesty and forgiveness. And when I fail, you’re all there in the most kind and understanding way, whispering, “It’s okay, it’s not so serious. You can do better next time if you want, and we’ll wipe away all the pain, guilt and effects right now. All is really well. Just look in our happy faces. And, here, have a dollop of cream flavored with a drop of Cognac! There, see? Feels better already, doesn’t it?”
May the Internet Gods smile favorably upon Mr A today, permitting him to sink into one of those comfy armchairs by the fire and to be covered by a light cotton blanket (it’s a bit warm in the Tavern in the southern hemisphere), and to be served a chai latte just as he likes them. And to remember together with us in a moment of quiet that this Celestial Tavern is the only real place in existence, far above the hustle, noise and chaos of this mad world. Vive la Celestial Tavern!
Mr. B !
The Internet gods are smiling favorably at Changi Airport, where I sit waiting to decide on whether I should take a flight today or not. It’s nice to have the freedom to decide that, and I have 9 minutes left on this $2 30-minute slot of time I have purchased at this Internet cafe (of sorts), which also doubles up as a laundromat, (I imagine for weary travellers connecting to their next flight, or for airport staff ?)
Love that thought – the Celestial Tavern is the only real place in existence, far above the hustle, where our seemingly splintered minds coalesce from time to time as we learn that there is only One Mind. And it’s the Right Mind. (The other one doesn’t exist). And all I have to do is to take this Right Mind, and give it to God.
Today’s lesson was interesting – “I seek second place to gain the first”. For the life of me, I can’t ever even remember this lesson, regardless of the two times(?) prior that I slept my way through the 365 Lessons. For this time, I have Anne’s blog to be grateful for – that is what originally got me inspired(?) to join in mid-stream around March this year…It’s been good so far, even when it’s not been good (: – and that’s saying something (:
.. Yes… On this 328th day of the year, it’s good for me to try to remember that “…all things we perceive are upside down until we listen to the Voice for God”
Over and out (:
Since that light (bulb) moment I had the other day….
I have met my daily challenges with a different attitude.
So now, when something happens…. or seems to happen,
My FIRST thought is that this is a dream.
No more going back and forth. No anger at the gods.
No trying to figure out what it means in the dream.
It doesn’t always have a direct correlation!
Kind of like in the musical “The King And I” –
how The King is convinced that
nothing could happen to his Kingdom.
Or outside of the Kingdom of Siam! (or I AM)
‘Hahaha! How silly! Ek-cetera, ek-cetera, ek-cetera!’
Not so much of a Puzzlement.
Bernard – There was a story Ken told about Helen.
She accidently spilled boiling water on her hand,
and INSTANTLY when to that “Source” spot..
And of course – it was instantly better!
By the way – Happy Thanksgiving to Y’all!
And – I accidently wrote THINKSgiving! WOW!
howdy my darlings
This is a quick note to let you know that i am taking care of my daughter who is having a difficult pregnancy and i probably wont be back at the Village for quite some time.
Of course i am always with my beloved tribe in spirit……..xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoooxoxoxoxoxo
Happy ThinkThanksgiving to our lovely tribe camping in the dream, choosing forgiveness within the right Mind as often as we can. I like what both Bev and Tex had to say about forgiving our selves reminding us this is all a dream.
Bernard really love your Thanksgiving offering article and videos. That farmers tale is one I think of often. You’ve really done a great job in describing the freedom we do have within this duality insane world most folks think of as real and that we as course students learn isn’t. We know it isn’t and our classrooms process of undoing with your practical tips, Ken’s tips, everyone in the tribe’s tips and ahas fit the definition of “what is truly helpful”.
I had an incident last Friday night when I was in SF. I had an appt with someone at the Federal Building by our SF Civic center. When I returned to where my car was parked- it wasn’t there and it did turn out to be stolen. It did not disturb my peace. I was more focused on a status update if you will, about my drama situation that I’ve talked about here only in terms of it being a challenging script I’m dealing with. The outcome of this is to be resolved on Dec 12 and I’ll know then what my next classroom lesson and general environment for it will be like. Compared to that unknown resolution, my car getting stolen was…”oh well it will be what it will be, I have insurance and I’ll just deal with it” I already had one Saab story this year and it turned out to be a blessing so I’ll just see how this turns out.
I got a call from the police department on Tuesday, it was found and absolutely nothing was wrong with it. I don’t even think they got inside it as nothing was missing. It’s washed and shiny clean and parked across the road as we are having very high tides again and I’m alert to it. I looked at all the ease of silver linings I experienced the night of the theft, like my good buddy Rama still being in the city to come and get me drive me to the police department to make my report and drive me home. My friend and founder of the research clinic I work lives one pier away and close walking distance lending me his electric car to use till the insurance rental kicked in. All was ease and peaceful.
We truly don’t know what anything is for, except the purpose we can choose for it. I’m so grateful for our Celestial Tavern of the Heart and Mind we share and very very grateful to you Bernard our wonderful wise fun delightful Mayor. Much Love to All. I learn so much from each of you. Winnie, so happy you’re there with your daughter now and you’re always with us.
Thank you Thank you Thank you beautiful loving tribe xoxoxoxox Michele
big gentle hugs to you and your daughter Winnie
Wow Michele 2 saab stories in one year. And all goes well. Happy turkey day to all as we stuff ourselves on stuffing (:
I remember Thanksgiving when i lived in LA in 1981-82, and was invited to Thanksgiving meal in the hills. I’ll never forget it …all that food! And how I looked at Americans who did not eat with fork and knife.
We don’t have thanksgiving here. But boy have they started to prepare for Christmas her BIG BIG time. ALL the time in TV, singing about Jesus and bells and sledged and it pisses me off so much. Luckily I can remember that it is only a dream, and i walk into the Tavern where there is silence and wonderful smells and Rufus is cosy by the fire. I sit there and sense the Presence of you all, and love that Winnie is with her daughter, brimming with love. How wonderful to have a good mother in such a situation.
Michele, so good to hear in detail from you. And a – this sentence you wrote:
“Love that thought – the Celestial Tavern is the only real place in existence, far above the hustle, where our seemingly splintered minds coalesce from time to time as we learn that there is only One Mind.”
each time I read this now, my hair is standing up and I shiver.
Natti family
I love you so much
thanks B for this site and all you have built for us
Nina
happy thanksgiving to our tribe and all the invisible visitors that might one day join in
I’m happy and I’m thankful
this may be my happiest most thanksgivingest happy thanksgiving day ever
my heart is so full and I’m loving all the sharings by the fireside and in the garden and in the village
this morning walking on the beach it was so fun sharing a happy thanksgiving aloha with other early morning beach walkers
am so thankful to bernard for this site
thankful for the insights shared
we’ll be having our happy thanksgiving dinner out at the sunset on the beach
truly, each comment is kindly appreciated and welcomed … even when it is just there perhaps not immediately responded to
I love each sharing and story and fun stuff and even the difficult heart sharing stuff
just want to share happy thanks and love to each one of you
Happy Thanksgiving to all…
My Hawaii mother-in-law has parted with the body that drug her around for 96 years, and is now playing in the tradewinds. All of her children with all of their children will be coming together here in California to put the illusory remains with the dream of a husband’s. We are grateful for many coming to be one family and celebrating the dream of two people making a family.
Thank you, Bernard, for your wonderful videos.
Oh, and something this grounded family of mine just blows off —
The day Mom passed, I was trying to call my daughter to tell her, and couldn’t get thru, went to put some water on the stove, thinking of Mom — and my phone just started playing George Harrison’s ‘The Light that Lighted the World. I froze and grabbed the device and just stared wide eyed at it, trying to figure out what made it start playing, and sort of agog at the song, since it seemed to be from her. THEN, the next song came on — Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. And I knew it was from her. Lucille loved diamonds, and the tradewinds of Hawaii. Don’t you just love woo woo, too.
oh katrina … I love love love that sharing
how cool is that
pure wonderful
you too are a light that lighted the world
A back-shuddering thrill-woo! Katrina, that must have been so fun!
I have a whole “woo-book” noting them in – I love them so! But this was far out. And oh what a pointer that Lucille is not a body.
Nina
Dear Katrina ~
Beautiful story of Lucille’s message to you, and the tradewinds she loved surrounding all of it. Your story is enveloped in the love and witnessing of family creation and her gifts you see so clearly and will gather to celebrate.
Ahhh…wonderful peace and joining. Thank you most wonderful Katrina xoxox