Pilgrim In The Open Shore, by Pancho Ramos Stierle

Today the clouds and ocean are indistinguishable
the horizon vanished
with the incessant rhythm
this breathing feels synchronized
with the larger lungs of Mother Earth
and even with the galactic integrated dance
the condensation of the clouds of the kosmos
into the nectar of life
the shore smiles as each weave reseeds
leaving planetary dimples and wrinkles
hosted in the heart of anyone aware of them
an ubiquitous humble and simple joy

today the stillness of the clouds
the motion of the ocean
and this happy condensed human wave
are one

today there is no horizon
no future, no destination
just now
only wrinkles and dimples of a smiling beach
the ocean floor
a mating dance for the human continent
an infinite coast
lost in the distance
as a stairway back to the stellar heaven
all in an instant

today the choreography and music of water
in all her forms
and ripples of life
this wet fire, this liquid star
are one and the same

today the heartmind of the Earth
is a loud joyous smile
with sore and happy planetary cheeks
a hysterical laughter
of undivided love

Francisco 'Pancho' Ramos Stierle is a Mexican-born former astrophysics student turned full-time community activist and humanitarian. He became a known figure of the Occupy movement after being arrested while meditating during the dismantling of the Occupy Oakland Camp. His work has focused on sparking a heartmindfulness revolution. Poem above is taken from Pancho's poems.

Seed Questions for Reflection

How do you relate to the discovery of oneness within the diversity of life? Can you share a personal story of a time you were able to appreciate this unity in diversity? How do you differentiate between unity in diversity and uniformity?

Moved by this reading? Join a live Awakin Circle to discuss in community.

Join this week

More ways to connect

Join a Metta Circle

Practice loving-kindness meditation together

Explore peer-learning pods

Small groups diving deeper into shared themes

Start your own local circle

One living room, one intention — we'll help

Add Your Reflection

8 Past Reflections

Rosario Espinosa

May 26, 2020

Beware of false prophets. Pancho has abused a lot of women using spirituality.
Accountabilityandhealing.org

Aug 9, 2019

Hermano,Beautiful. Thank you.

Jyoti

Aug 6, 2019

Brother Pancho, Planet's Protector Physicist Poet. Hugs.

Swara

Aug 6, 2019

Brother Pancho,

Such beautiful words. Lots of love.

Sorti V. Moraq

Aug 6, 2019

Hermosa reflexiónpoética, dondela fugaz unión del instante de la vida con la inmensidad del cosmos; inspirala eterna introspección del alma, para fundirse en la expansióndel universo.

Michael Stilinovich

Aug 5, 2019

Thank you Pancho,
Hugs for you my brother.

With Love,
M.Stilinovich

David Doane

Aug 3, 2019

It's the other way around, that is, it's the discovery of diversity within unity. Once upon a time, we humans noticed differences while living in unity; then we translated different to mean separate and lost the sense of all being part of unity; now we are rediscovering unity differentiated into many expressions. I became seriously interested in Buddhism about 15 years ago, joined an ongoing study group, learned/read/listened/reflected/meditated Eastern/Vedantic/unitive wisdom, and grew in appreciation of unity and diversity in unity. Diversity means different. Uniformity means the same. Diversity is pervasive. Every one and every thing is a different expression of one Unity. There is no uniformity even if we think there is or try to impose it.

Jagdish P Dave

Aug 2, 2019

There is oneness in manynessand there is unity in diversity. I am in complete alignment with this apparently opposite statements.There is oneness or unity in the background of the manyness or diversity in the foreground. i see that and experience that truth both in the natural world and the human world.The diversity enriches the unity. It is like the formless is manifested in variety of forms-sights, shapes, sounds and colors. How and when do I see it and experience it? I see it and experience it when I am aware of it without thinking about it, analyzing it, comparing it and contrasting it. In other words when I do not engage my mind dividing and fragmenting the wholeness of it. When I am mentally still and silent, I become aware of the melody of sounds, the seven colors of the rainbow, different but merging and melting. Everyday I encounter people of different races, different shapes, different ideas and different opinions. When I keep my mind and heart open to empathically understan... View full comment