Awakin Talks Webinar Series

On May 26, 2020 D Derek wrote on The River Cannot Go Back, by Kahlil Gibran:

This story is a wonderful metaphor.... #Love

On Jun 9, 2012 Derek wrote on A Whole New Dimension Of Love, by Tenzin Palmo:

Holding Lightly.. It's recognizing that we are all unique individuals on this earth. I see my partner, my friend, my dad and myself as these tiny beings on earth. We come here alone. We make our unique journey through life. And then we leave... alone. I try to respect each individual's journey. Even if it may not align with my path. Time goes by so quickly. How could I possibly deny anyone the right to be themselves?

And so, I love... and only hold lightly.

On Feb 18, 2012 Derek wrote on What I Learned In Africa, by Henning Mankell:

When we listen more.. we connect more...

On Feb 11, 2012 Derek wrote on The Great Dictator, by Charlie Chaplin:

This excerpt from Charlie Chaplin's movie "The Dictator" is so relevant to our time. The movie parallels an era when the U.S. was in peaceful terms with Nazi Germany. Charlie could read the writing on the wall.

Speaking of wall... Do you find a similarity here with the movement "Occupy Wall Street"? We are also in a time where humanity is undergoing positive change. Our awareness of what surrounds us and compassion for humanity is coming to the forefront. Just as the development of radio communication and air transportation hit the early 20th century, we now have the Internet that is bringing us all closer together as a community. Look at the Middle East as an example.

As long as we all we stay connected with each other, keep the lines of communication flowing, we will have a better understanding that we are all one. That we all want the same thing. That we all have the Divine within us. That harming our brother or sister is as harming ourselves. From this, compassion flows and we begin to live our lives with love.

Namaste

On Feb 4, 2012 Derek wrote on The Power of Here, by Bill Plotkin:

Why do so many find the their soul's path early in life? Why do some have to struggle years to find it? And then there are those who never fulfill their true purpose in this lifetime. That's one of the great mysteries of life.

I love Bill's analogy of seeing how plant and animal life know exactly their role and place in the world. Why is it that so many of us humans can't? Nature... that integral part of our lives... that we sometimes take for granted.... holds the answer. Let us all remember that.

Thank you

On Dec 10, 2011 Derek wrote on Everyday Creativity, by Ruth Richards:

What strikes me most of this passage is how sometimes we must surrender to life. That we might be drawn off course from our path at times. We may not understand why.. but we need to have faith in knowing there is a purpose.. a lesson. And in this case it's about developing awareness and appreciation for the blessings that surround us. To be present and in the moment....

I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks for the reminder : )

On Nov 29, 2011 Derek wrote on A Spiritual Conspiracy, by Author Unknown:

All I can say is "big smile"

: )

On Nov 27, 2011 Derek wrote on The Difference Between Natural and Unnatural, by Masanobu Fukuoka:

I stuggle to understand at times the importance of humanity's connection with nature. Yes, our association with nature brings about obvious benefits to our health, mind and soul. It also gets us in touch with our anceastory. But this passage from Masanobu Fukuoka brings the lessons of nature to a much deeper level. It's really something to contemplate. Thank you.

On Nov 6, 2011 Derek wrote on Stand In the Tragic Gap, by Parker Palmer:

Parker has a very interesting perspective on what I would describe as the duality of life - light versus darkness. It's not that one is necessarily better than the other. It just is. Everything is already perfect. We need both opposing forces. They each support us.

The key is exactly what he said. Find that balance. Find that fine line in between. Think of the possibilites....

Good article Somik.

On Sep 1, 2011 Derek wrote on I Am Nothing, by Paul Buchheit:

Wow.... that was beautiful : )

On Aug 16, 2011 Derek wrote on Evolution's Gold Standard, by Diane Ackerman:

Finally! A passage that is easy to read and accessible to most.

This exerpt gives me pause because it explains why react under certain circumstances. For example, feeling lustful just after a break up with a significant other... quickly wanting to fill that gap of lost intimacy. Knowing so... maybe my actions will be different in the futue. Thank you. Derek

On Apr 8, 2011 Derek wrote on A 9-Year-Old's Hidden Self, by Jacob Needleman:

What I enjoy about this delicate passage is it's emphasis on the power of subtle meanings. Many adults today have gotten caught up in the day to day "static" of life, missing the intentions behind words. Young children, with pure minds absorb every nuance in movement and tone in communication. They are Watchers of life. They can see, feel and absorb what some might say are messages of transcendence.

As adults, children can be great teachers for all of us. They can guide us back to a reality and learn to listen to what is not spoken.

Recommendation - I would edit the last few sentences "Its lack is more of a threat to our world than anything else -- or, rather, its increasing absence in human relationships is at the root of all else that now threatens to destroy or degrade us beyond recovery -- the internecine hatred and egoism."

There is no good or bad, it just is. Life is perfect. Let's focus on solutions. Give us goals to strive for...

Keep up the great work!

Well Wishes, Derek

On Dec 7, 2010 Derek wrote on Building a Creative Temple, by Martin Luther King, Jr.:

The content of this speech reflects an inward struggle I've had for while. WIth devotion (good) comes clarity. But will too much devotion eliminate joy in our lives? Author, Elizabeth Gilbert set out to reconcile these two in her book "Eat, Pray, Love". She lived in Italy to seek Pleasure and then to India to understand and create Devotion. And then she journeyed to Bali to reconcile the two. Their culture has a good grasp on how to balance our outer and inward needs. Wouldn't it be great if we could find this harmony right here at home?

All Comments By D Derek