Saturday, June 09, 2007 @ 10:17 am
the writings of a Buddhist monk called Thich Nhat Hanh, with the title “The long road to joy”. From that moment on, before I continue on this 90-day journey across the world, every morning I read the wise words of Nhat Hanh, which I summarize below:
1] You have already arrived. So, feel pleasure at each step and do not worry about things that you still have to face. We have nothing before us, just a road to be traveled at each moment with joy. When we practice pilgrim meditation, we are always arriving, our home is the present moment, and nothing more.
2] For that reason, always smile while you walk. Even if you have to force it a bit and feel ridiculous. Get used to smiling and you will end up happy. Do not be afraid of displaying your contentment.
3] If you think that peace and joy always lie ahead, you will never manage to achieve them. Try to understand that they are both your traveling companions.
4] When you walk, you are massaging and honoring the earth. In the same way, the earth is trying to help you to balance your organism and mind. Understand this relationship and try to respect it – may your steps have the firmness of a lion, the elegance of a tiger and the dignity of an emperor.
5] Pay attention to what is going on around you. And concentrate on your breathing – this will help you to get rid of the problems and worries that try to accompany you on your journey.
6] When you walk, it is not just you that is moving, but all past and future generations. In the so-called “real” world, time is a measure, but in the true world nothing exists beyond the present moment. Be fully aware that everything that has happened and everything that will happen is in each step you take.
7] Enjoy yourself. Make pilgrim meditation a constant meeting with yourself, never a penance in search of reward. May flowers and fruit always grow in the places touched by your feet.
Warrior of the Light Online #148 --- Paulo Coelho
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Watched Sylvie Guillem and the Akram Khan Dance Company in "Sacred Monsters" last night. It was an amazing performance, not only in technique, and in the complexity of the choreography, but the dance has brought out the true essence in Dance. Sacred Monsters is about using tradition to explore the contemporary, bringing the two together to create a dance miracle. But it is this "one foot in tradition, one foot in contemporary, and the body is sandwiched in the middle" that makes us Monsters. and this monstrosity in dance is sacred. It was an exploration for the dancers and the musicians themselves. The dancers and musicians came from different countries and possess differing styles that are blended together into an amazing piece. During the dialogue session, the dancers said that it is not "cross-cultural" as a lady in the audience put it, but it is something in these different styles that are the same, that are universal, and speak the same 'language' and express the same curiosity beyond tradition.
Sylvie looks like a goddess on stage. my oh my. can't help but fall in love with her dancing. haha. her extensions are amazing (as usual), and during the duet, there was this emotional connection of friendship and humour between Akram and Sylvie. Learnt a lot from them, from their inspiration. I'm not such a monster after all. haha.
Argh. feel like abandoning everything and just dance.