Lost For Words

Even though I was unexpectedly booted out, I still consider Los Angeles and Santa Monica my home city. As I watched the unfolding of the protest in Los Angeles over the weekend, I was stunned. By Sunday evening watching my own neighborhood getting ripped apart, I was devastated. Feeling helpless, I wept.

I am a person of color and an immigrant, and I’ve lived on the Westside of Los Angeles with fair amount of privileges for well over 30 years. Unlike the Japanese-Americans who lived through the World War II in the U.S., I have never experienced any institutional discrimination. If anything, I’ve been subjected to some ignorant stereotyping comments about Asian women, which can be offensive. No matter how much inclusivity training and books I’ve been through as a part of the teacher community at InsightLA and Spirit Rock, I can’t say I fully understand the depth and complexity of this problem in our country and the world. I just know the anger that erupted this week is not just the pent up energy from being stuck indoor for the last 2 months but pain, anger and resentment that built up over so many decades.

While so many words have been spoken by our leaders (the real leaders) and fellow citizens that are articulate, provocative and inspiring, what I want to offer is these phrases that I’ve been posting. I heard it on a Dharma Talk by a teacher name, Meg Gawler, almost 6 years ago when I was going through a difficult time. It speaks to me more than ever, and I find solace in my practice.

Things are as they’ve come to be

May I have an open heart

May whatever clouds my heart be dissolved

May I see the world with quiet eyes

Meg Gawler

There are so many opportunities to practice these days. I hope my Friday lunch time group may offer you a brief refuge.

May you be safe and protected.

May you find ease in mind and body.

May you find freedom from suffering.