11.12.2008

The way out is out of my way


Since I've come home from sitting so much has appeared. Thousands of words flew out by themselves. I wrote a piece this week that amazed me so and reminded me that writing – and everything – is not a thought process, but its own process. We do not write words but the words write us, and then we can read them along with everyone else and learn something.

The piece I'm referring to won't be visible for a few months, and when it is on paper it will be brand new to you and me both.

What I want to say is how inextricable stillness is from motion and motion is from stillness. Either one, when unlatched from the hindrance of our repetitive critical thinking, makes things happen! When I am stuck, I go for a walk and get unstuck. When I am going nowhere, I sit still in meditation, open my mind and get somewhere.

I hope that you try it for yourself. Getting out of your own way is the way out!

Soon I'll be in motion again near and far. I'm always inspired by the chance to meet and speak with practicing parents and/or practicing Buddhists, and if you are anywhere in the neighborhood, please go out of your way and come along:

Thurs., Nov. 20, 7 p.m.
Palos Verdes Hills Nursery School

Sun., Nov. 30, 10:30 a.m.
Rime Buddhist Center
Kansas City

13 comments:

mapelba said...

Oh, getting out of my own way. What a feat that would be. But hurray for you for helping all of us do our best.

Karen Maezen Miller said...

A feat of the feet, m'dear.

Kristin H. said...

What?! No Charleston??

denise said...

That is how I feel with painting. As soon as I stop LOOKING and THINKING, it just comes out on its own. Does work that way for most things too, eh?

Wish I were closer to KC (my home town). :)

Cat said...

I do need to work on this - I get better with age I swear!

Mama Zen said...

I can't wait to read what you've written!

Jennifer/The Word Cellar said...

I'm still waiting for my words to start flying. For now, I'll try the walking and meditating.

enchantedartist said...

This really spoke to me Karen, as both an artist, and a yoga teacher. Motion...stillness...perfectly entangled. I am always amazed by the transformative power of a little meditation...

Thanks for sharing this...:)

Wendy said...

kc, mo is where my in-laws are.
sigh
can you come to dc or NoVA?
xoxo

Karen Maezen Miller said...

Dear friends,
I go wherever I'm asked, however I can. My in-laws are in KC, you see. If I find I'm headed in a particular direction for some other reason, I try to find kindhearted Buddhists or mothers to host a talk. (It's sometimes harder to find kindness in the heart of a Buddhist than a mother!)

The world is vast and wide; and fits on your fingertip.

xoxo

Kirsten Michelle said...

how is it, you always write what i need to read...
exactly when i need it?

goodness, i'm so grateful for your perspective, karen.
xoxoxo

Juneau.Eco.Mommie said...

Bummer, I am in JUneau, AK. But I am very inspired by your passion and your posts!

Mary Ann said...

I agree, the words write us.