YOUR TRUE NATURE IS LOVE

Dear Friends,

The unfortunate consequence of the war against terror is that it is a war against ourselves. The anger, hatred and violence in the world is due to the anger, hatred and violence in our very life. On the path of love and healing means on the path of transforming unwholesome actions of body, speech and mind, into gardens of forgiveness, forbearance and listening deeply to help relieve suffering.

One thing my mentor, Sister Susan, had said to me long ago, "Brian, you've got to make yourself happy. You have all the tools that you have learned: walking meditation, stopping, looking deeply, cradling the little child within you, in order to not be overwhelmed by sorrow, despair, anger, you've got to put into practice everything you have learned."

It is a challenge with everything going on to not fall ill, to not fall into that place of shame and guilt and sorrows. Come back home to yourself, your true nature is love. Having compassion for others does not mean suffering with them. Having compassion means that you are taking good care of your own emotions, and that you send your energy, your transformation to those in need. When you have compassion, true compassion, your sending of energy is also receiving of energy. True compassion liberates us from suffering, from unwholesome states of mind and body.

The object of the practice is to be free where you are, to notice, and to cultivate the freedom that is in your heart. This freedom comes through taking responsibility for your actions, your thoughts, your words. This freedom comes from letting go of views that separate you, that isolate others and yourself, and prevent love and communication from growing.

My extended family was torn apart by sexual misconduct and abuse. For many years I have wanted my family to come back together. There are those who just want to forget about their siblings, who want nothing to do with their children. And I have struggled in the past with despair over these occurrences. Still today I find it challenging to discern what my role is. My duty is not to take sides, but to observe, and to practice wholeheartedly, to make sure that I am peaceful, calm and live with clarity of mind. I want to be firm and solid in myself, not easily overcome by despair and anger and anxiety. I want to be free where I am. That's why I am offering this blog, and am writing a book about my experiences.

This November I will be leading a retreat in Las Vegas for Survivors and Everyone who wishes to attend in order to look at the ways we have been victims of abuse, but also to see our connection to the violence, hatred and discrimination in the world. The nature of this retreat is very light, very welcoming, and very much at ease. We want to promote peace in one's daily life. We want to promote peaceful healing. This can only be done in an atmosphere of loving-kindness, through listening deeply and using loving speech.

For more information about the retreat held NOV 21-23, 2008 please e-mail me at brian@briankimmel.com or call (702) 461-8422. Thank you.