Day 135b: Onward towards the Loving … (September 11, 2019)
It is true that we are never to abandon others outright, no matter how aggressive or denouncing they might be. That said, it is just as true that we are to respect their wishes regarding our person; that if they clearly do not want us around (much less want to in any way receive or appreciate the gifts we have offered them openly), then it is just as right & good to gently “shake the dust from our shoes” and flow onward towards the horizon – towards the next community along our way; a community that might well be desirous of anything – or even everything – we seek to lovingly give …
“And if those you encounter refuse to welcome you or will not listen to your words, then smile upon them anyway, and gently shake off the dust from your feet as you flow on from that house or town.” ~ via Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:14)
“Be not concerned with the faults of other persons and refuse to judge others’ shortcomings with a hateful mind. And avoid in any way imitating or reflecting the sins of those nearby. Instead, recognize their virtues, and do you best to cultivate the same. It is true that the Wise Ones encourage us to recognize and abandon unwholesome actions, and yet no Wise One has ever advocated that we hate or in any way denigrate the ones who are practicing the same … Detachment means letting go and non-attachment means letting be. Both must be full-fledged for Love to fully Be … This is why Integrity is ever a gentle, graceful endeavor … In like vein, may my Love flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with young children.” ~ inspired by Dogen, Stephen Levine, Lailah Akita & Rainer Maria Rilke
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