Evolving Being in Action: Lori Franklin

Happy New Year Everyone! As this new year begins for us all, I have the pleasure of introducing you all to our first ‘evolving being in action’ of 2011.

January’s story comes to us from Lori Franklin of Jane Be Nimble.

Lori is one of those highly gifted individuals, where her interests and abilities span many arenas. From being an avid trainer, coach and health enthusiast, to being a molecular biologist, writer and graphic designer, this only begins to scratch the surface of the many talents of this extraordinary being!

No matter what your likes or where your personal journey is taking you, I think each and everyone of us can relate to something about Lori and her life. She truly can touch the hearts, souls and minds of anyone, and everyone she encounters.

I have already had the immense pleasure of featuring Lori’s inspirational health story on EvolvingWellness.com – as November’s Evolving Wellness in Action. It is now a double honor, to share with you here Lori’s spiritual journey which is just as moving and inspiring, on so many other levels.

Here is Lori, sharing her beautiful story of growth, evolution, introspection and inspiration:

What area(s) of your spiritual/emotional life have you decided to change and why?

I’m not sure my spiritual evolution has been a conscious choice. Challenges have been put in my path and I’ve had to find ways to deepen my well of knowledge and continually build my emotional/spiritual toolbox to deal with them. I’m sure it’s like this for a lot of people, really.

The religious foundation of my youth shattered when I traversed some difficult relationships in my 20′s along with my first marriage failing. Also, about that same time, I was diagnosed with a life-altering chronic illness, which has profoundly shaped my life and spiritual beliefs.

About fifteen years ago, my doctor said, “Well, Lori, it looks like you have MS, but at least you don’t have a brain tumor.”  My eyes welled up as I sat there in shock. By the time I reached my home that day I knew I was walking a new life path. That day started my journey of the mind: to broaden my experience getting to know my inner landscape and to find ways of feeling at peace outside of the physical body.

What strategies have you implemented to change, who inspired you, person or organization, book, etc.?

I experience difficulty talking about spirituality without discussing the influences of the natural world. My most important teacher has been nature, the laws of nature, and the absolute beauty and elegance of the natural world. For me, spirituality and science (i.e., natural laws, mathematics, and observed evidence) have always been woven together into a beautiful, gossamer web.

An early inspiration in my teenage years, and still to this day, is the astrophysicist Carl Sagan. As one of the most gifted, compassionate scientists of modern day, Dr. Sagan held a deep love for the cosmos, nature, and humanity. His writings had me spellbound. Knowing we’re only one beautiful planet amongst billions of heavenly bodies helps to frame my perspective.

The Earth is over five billion years old, and after 10,000 generations of humans, my challenges really seem quite small. When life seems topsy turvy, I feel such peace and love by merely looking up at the night sky or feeling my own heart beat. In our short time here, I truly believe we are all miracles and meant to enjoy, play, love and be loved. We’re nothing but a blink in human history, why not enjoy our brief time here and do what makes us happy while also improving the lives of others?

“Science is an ongoing process. It never ends. There is no single ultimate truth to be achieved, after which all the scientists can retire…And because this is so, the world is far more interesting.”

~ Dr. Carl Sagan

About two years ago my MS suddenly advanced and changed my daily life quite profoundly. When anyone experiences major life changes, I think this causes us to re-evaluate our lives and seek resources to help bring us peace. I spent a lot of time revisiting texts about world religions, spiritual leaders, and various cultures. I returned to my meditation practices to calm my mind and help me find solace when I was in pain or not able to do much but read or lie still.

The Buddhist philosophies or practices deeply resonate with me, but I also incorporate many ideas from other schools of spirituality. Buddhism can be considered a science of the mind, and my mind yearns for careful study and observation. Humans have evolved with an naturally inquisitive mind; those who have survived through the ages have done so by questioning, adapting, and adjusting to change.

A multitude of things, people, and experiences have inspired my life, I could write an entire treatise about this question, really.

“It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.”

~ His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama

How have the changes benefited your overall life, happiness up to this point?

After being rattled by some very traumatic events along my MS course, I feel now more than ever that humanity is woven into a blanket of love: connected to each other and nature. As I walk about my neighborhood, or pass a stranger, I feel warmth and love for each person. I want so much for everyone to see their immense capacity for love, connection to nature, connection to each other, and connection to the universe. When I see people being hurtful or unkind, I know deep down they are hurting inside and I want to help them see the love surrounding all of us, and also inside each person.

I think the work I’ve done to strip away the physical body to get to know my mind and also find comfort in the breath has helped immensely. When I was first diagnosed, I spent time in cognitive therapy learning to evaluate my thoughts, to get to the very core of the thought. Today, the spiritual concepts of “emptiness” and “mindfulness” have definitely helped me traverse rough waters.

I also now have a deeper understanding of my own relationship to connections between science, nature, and spirituality. I find comfort in that connection. Science isn’t a means to disprove the magic of life, it’s a celebration of life and our world. I love the way the first-century philosopher described this concept.

“The time will come when diligent research over long periods of time will bring to light things which now lie hidden. A single lifetime, even though entirely devoted…, would not be enough for the investigation of so vast a subject. And so this knowledge will be unfolded only through long successive ages. There will come a time when our decedents will be amazed that we did not know things that are so plain to them…Many discoveries are reserved for ages still to come, when memory of us will have been effaced. Our universe is a sorry little affair unless it has in it something for every age to investigate…nature does not reveal her mysteries once and for all.” ~Seneca, Natural Questions, Book 7, c. first century

What are the next steps or goals in your life as an evolving being?

I enjoy studying other cultures and learning new things: language, creating art, anything science/nature related (staying sharp in my field), reading writings of spiritual teachers, and the like.

I’d love to be healthy enough to start teaching or public speaking again. I also have been feeling a calling to write a larger work. I’m not sure if that’s a manuscript, a course, or maybe to simply keep blogging. My health has been playing a large factor in what types of goals I set for the future.

What message do you have for others who are struggling or embarking on a similar journey?

When the student is ready, the teacher will come. I have been repeatedly surprised with the wealth of knowledge I happen to discover at the perfect time.

Be open to new/different teachings. Even if you’re deeply rooted in a certain religious or spiritual practice, challenge your thoughts and revisit often whether your beliefs are truly working to build the best version of you.

Get to know your mind. Your mind is a filter of thousands and thousands of stimuli every day. Spend a few minutes each day in silence and talk to your mind. Ask it how it’s doing, listen to the answer. This may sound goofy, but truly treat it as a friend, share a cup of coffee together, and get to know each other. What are your mind’s triggers? When does your mind make more of things than what is really occurring? Can you coach your mind to find the calm, to rest in the space between the breath when you feel stressed, panicked, hopeless or angry?

Surround yourself with people and stimuli that better your life, not those that put your health or life in a “bad place.” I was in an incredibly stressful job, flying two or three times every week, and working crazy long hours when my most recent major relapse occurred. MS had other plans for me, she got my attention, and I’m spending quality time in discussion with her now.

If you’re feeling at wit’s end or hurting, do something for someone. Give of yourself — give love as often as possible. We are one, thus you’ll be giving to yourself as much as you’re giving to others.

Look to the sky, talk to the stars, and celebrate your celestial body from the heavens. Because, we’re all intrinsically built from star dust. You are brilliantly beautiful! And, please let me know how I can help you.

“We do not ask for what useful purpose the birds do sing, for song is their pleasure since they were created for singing. Similarly, we ought not ask why the human mind troubles to fathom the secrets of the heavens…the diversity of the phenomena of Nature is so great, and the treasures hidden in the heavens so rich, precisely in order that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment.” ~ Johannes Kepler, Mysterium Cosmographicum, published in 1596


31 Comments to “Evolving Being in Action: Lori Franklin”

  1. Simon Hay says:

    Hi Lori. What a beautiful and subtle summary of an interesting life. I know how incredibly intelligent and lovely you are. Some of us hold our wings in the sun waiting for them to dry, a few take flight and allow motion to create a vibrant tapestry of experiences. You’ve shown us only one thread today. For you I wish health and love for the New Year.

    • Lori says:

      Hi Simon,
      I am nearly speechless reading this, I’ve always loved your way with words — how you weave your thoughts in to such beautiful prose. Thank you, my friend. I wish much health and happiness for you in 2011, and will look forward to your words and insights.
      Love to you,
      ~xo

  2. [...] am closing comments for this post, but I invite you to join me at my friend Evita’s site today as we discuss emotional and spiritual growth, and my personal experience in these areas. [...]

  3. “I truly believe we are all miracles and meant to enjoy, play, love and be loved.”
    I’m all for this, Lori. I’m combing these with my blogging seeing it’s such a big part of my life. I will enjoy blogging, play with blogging, receive love through blogging and give love with blogging. I’m also going to stalk you so I can meet you in person;)

    “A multitude of things, people, and experiences have inspired my life, I could write an entire treatise about this question, really.”

    This is a good out line for a book. hint hint!

    “When does your mind make more of things than what is really occurring?”

    You don’t really want to know the answer to this! I’m going to get that cup of coffee!

    Seriously, there are so many gems in this post I will reflect on it for a week.

    About love: I can’t agree with you more about love, it’s the answer to everything. If each time I had a problem, was upset with someone or something, if I sat down and concentrated on love the issue will dissolve into nothingness. Simple stuff always seems to elude me.

    Thanks for brightening my year with your love and laughter. I’ll be over soon. Put that coffee pot on. xo

    • Lori says:

      Hi Tess,
      It wouldn’t be the same not to have you here with your wise reflections and lovely thoughts. Thank you, my spiritual friend. :)

      I also think this is the first time I can remember not minding being stalked (LOL). You’re funny. Thanks for your “seed-planting” expedition regarding the potential of me writing a larger work. Hmmm…

      I’m loving your words about love, and how when you concentrate on love, the issues dissolve into nothingness. What a lovely thought.

      Thank you, too, for the love and laughter you’ve introduced into my life — I can’t wait to see where your 2011 Year of Love will take you! You are a bright shining star in my life, thank you many times over.
      ~xo

  4. Carrie says:

    Wow, so much to take in and ponder on I don’t know where to even begin. I too have been on a journey ever since I learned I was slowly losing my sight, and have been questioning everything under the sun including my own religious beliefs. Thank you for sharing such intimate and deep parts of youself with us!

    • Lori says:

      Hi Carrie,
      It means a lot to me that my thoughts have encouraged you to ponder, I do believe that it’s essential for us to continually challenge our beliefs and to question. It certainly sounds like we have fairly similar journeys, and while I can’t imagine where your thoughts and actions have taken you along your life path, one thing I DO know is that we’ve been given the opportunity to dismantle the core of our existences to find the source of our essence, that essence unrelated to our physical bodies.

      I am full of gratitude reading your offer of thanks, as I must admit, it took me a very long time to answer Evita’s deep, thoughtful questions. I’m happy Evita has connected us in 2011. ;) I wish you all the best along your journey of discovery, Carrie. I’m with you in spirit.
      Much Love,
      ~xo

  5. Joy says:

    Hi Lori,
    I love that you are featured here this month! Your “story”..the way that you choose to live, is most inspirational to me. I thank you for being you, for sharing; I appreciate you for all that you share…
    This: “Challenges have been put in my path and I’ve had to find ways to deepen my well of knowledge and continually build my emotional/spiritual toolbox to deal with them.”…you made/make a choice, each and every time a challenge is present..you choose to ‘live’ and inspire me to do the same…
    And this..”My most important teacher has been nature, the laws of nature, and the absolute beauty and elegance of the natural world”..oh yea:) Mine too..I look to the skies, play in the ocean, hike in the hills, sit under the tree..my heart leaps!
    And then this.. “I feel now more than ever that humanity is woven into a blanket of love: connected to each other and nature.” I agree…completely..and have made it my life’s purpose to share love, fully, unconditionally, and to allow healing through love..
    *You* are a gem, a beauty filled, delightful gem..thank *you*!! May the love that you share be reflected back to you ten fold, and may delight surround you each day:)

    • Lori says:

      Hi Joy,
      Knowing that you find a nugget here that resonates with you makes writing such personal things about my journey worthwhile. As I mentioned to Carrie, this took a long time for me to write with a lot of synthesis of ideas and concepts to describe my winding journey. Thanks you, lovely. Thank you. Evita’s questions changed me on some level. (She has a way of doing that, don’t you think?) :)

      I can see you are in tune with the natural world, too, and I find that beautiful. Continue letting your heart leap, Joy, jump and soar! I love that you described your thoughts about nature.

      I am filled with hope and love to be connected to such beautiful souls in this world, and you are certainly a part of that. I also believe that word “unconditionally” related to love is important. It’s difficult at times, but the more I allow love to be available to even those where it seems impossible or difficult, the more my heart opened, too. Keep up the great work!

      I really do appreciate you, Joy. I appreciate your presence, how you unconditionally support others, and your love is so openly expressed. It’s really quite beautiful, Joy, your heart and soul.
      Thank you for being you.

      Sending love to you, Joy, everyday.
      ~xo

  6. Hi Evita, Thank you for featuring Lori Luv here! She is simply beautiful!

    Hi Lori Luv,
    I’m so so happy you are the evolving being in action on the first day of this beautifully promising new year. I have to admit though…I’m typing this comment amid tears….Tears of love, tears of joy and just plain tears…You move me greatly!
    Your journey is real, its raw, its YOU and its superbly unique!
    I have to agree with Tess here….there is a book here for sure.
    I await the day your book releases and your words reach millions and millions.
    So Much Love to both you lovely gals….Lori Luv and Evita :)
    Z~

    • Lori says:

      Hi Zeenat,
      You bring such warmth and love to my life, sweet. Thank you for everything you have done for me — so much. You’re like that wildflower in the expanse of the prairie, waving in the wind, opening your petals to the honeybee at just the perfect time to give sustenance. You are beautiful!

      Between you and Tess, it helps me to formulate what I may want to delve into in 2011. Hey, there’s a least two copies of my book sold! (LOL)

      You are so sweet, Zeenat, I can’t wait to see where you go in 2011. Thanks for all you do for others, we all really appreciate you!
      ~xo

  7. Jay Schryer says:

    Lori-Bug! What a fine addition you are to the Evolving Beings Gallery of Greatness!

    I am so proud and honored that you are a part of my life, Lori. You inspire me to think, to grow, and to learn…and you always do it gently and easily with love. I am so glad to know you, and I am honored to be your friend. For all that you do, and all that you are…thank you!

    ~M2

    • Lori says:

      Hi M2!

      It means so much to me that you’re here, Jay, really. It’s like standing on the shoulders of greats! :)

      That’s one of the nicest things anyone can say to me, that I might help you to grow and learn. But, you do the same things for me. That’s lovely. Thank you for being all you are, too, as you are an example to me of someone who continually faces challenges with a smile and a wink. As if you’re saying, “Okay, got it, learned that lesson, bring it on! I’m ready for something new!” Thanks for all you do, hero man, we all appreciate you.
      Much love,
      ~xo

  8. Lance says:

    Lori,
    You are a gift in my life. Of this, I am positive.

    So today, I read here and let the soul of YOU soak even more deeply into my being. This journey you are on…it is one of grace, beauty, and love.

    …and you, dear friend, are truly brilliantly beautiful…

    • Lori says:

      Hi Lance,
      I’m smiling as I write this, as you’re such a positive influence in my life. Thank you for glowing and being that smiling light in my days.

      As you travel throughout your life, I hope you’ll always remember the laughter and smiles we’ve exchanged and continue to pass that to others. You are a gifted person, Lance, and I’m so happy to know you.
      Much Love,
      ~xo

  9. Lori says:

    Hi Evita,
    I am honored to be invited by you to spend time at your site, amongst your gifted and beautiful readers. I am blushing over the introduction you gave for me, you are too kind, Evita. Thank you. I am filled with gratitude to have the chance to know you. I hope in 2011 we can build our friendship and I will enjoy watching where you life leads you this year.

    Much love to you, my gifted and soulful friend.
    ~xo

  10. Tim says:

    Hi Evita and Lori:

    Lori, it’s so good to see you here in Evita’s neighborhood. You reveal a lot about your beliefs and philosophies in this great interview. I cannot tell you how much I admire you as you’ve dealt with a lot of adversity…and yet you support and encourage a lot of others, including me. I love how you encourage everyone to give of ourselves at times of pain…this is a great thought among a lot of others that you have. Evita, great job with some great questions. Happy new year and best wishes for a great 2011 for both of you!

    • Lori says:

      Hi Tim,
      I am happy to see you here, you are always so giving and kind and I know all who are close to you are blessed by you in many ways — including me. Thank you!

      Thanks for your comment and for your acknowledgment, too. Looking back over time, I really do think that there have been times that the ONLY thing that has been able to ease suffering is for me to help others. Then, it’s not about ME trying to feel better, it’s about growing that caring and nurturing aspect of the collective human tapestry.

      Thanks again for your kind presence, Tim. I agree, Evita sure has a way with words, I think she’s amazing — like you. Happy 2011 to you and I look forward to growing our friendship. I’m with you, brother! ;)
      ~xo

  11. Hilary says:

    Hi Evita .. and Lori .. wonderful and deserving comments. In your comment to Tim above .. about helping others that relieves your suffering – how true is that. A smile, lightens our own face as well as others, a hug – breathes life into another, who was feeling down ..

    An evocative post and one I will be back to read more often and learn from .. your ability to learn as much as possible about all things that you feel relevant is thought provoking and something each and everyone of us should be doing all the time ..

    With love and thoughts for 2011 .. and may we have more of your wisdom – perhaps in ‘chapters’ towards your book, via your blog .. with some big hugs and lots of happiness in 2011 .. cheers Hilary

    • Lori says:

      Hi Hilary,
      I can see your thoughts reflecting mine, and I feel you have a personal relationship with lightening others’ loads, too. That’s beautiful!

      Your support touches my heart, Hilary, I will never take this for granted. I’m smiling and my heart is warm. I see this in you, Hilary, your ability to synthesize a huge swath of information and turn it into a learning experience. I love that about you.

      Yes, more wisdom for 2011, I’m all for that. :)
      Best to you in 2011, Hilary, and sending you much love.
      ~xo

  12. Jean Sampson says:

    Hi Lori. This is another beautiful post from a beautiful being! I am going to keep you in mind this year when I have to face a frightening situation that is coming up in my life. You have helped me to see that I need to love through the fear (and probably anger) until I have replaced the fear with love. I see it clearly now—-just hope I can do this when the time comes. By being love, you have shown me that we can all be love. I am going to have to do some work on how that might look in the situation that is coming up. You will be like the North Star for me, Lori, as you are for so many people.

    And sign me up for a copy (or 2) of that book!

    • Lori says:

      Hi Jean,
      Pleasure to see you here in these first few days of the year. Lovely.

      I’m sorry you have a challenging situation approaching, and I would be lying if I said that these moments are easy. They are not at all. Yes, go into the moment, drive through the discomfort and try to remember that love is at the core of everything. You are a well of love, dip into that reservoir, and know deeply it is within you, it is within all of us. Climb into your love rocket ship and sail, Jean.

      While the comets may be blisteringly bright and hot, they will drive your journey onward, adding to your cosmic toolbox. I will be with you in spirit, Jean, as your embark into this situation. You are not alone.
      ~xo

  13. Lori –

    This was a wonderful post to read as the New Year begins. It is just another month and another day on the calendar, but as the sun spends more time in the sky and the earth starts its journey to awaken once again, I find that it is a time for beginnings, contemplations, and choices… and your words fit right into my way of thinking.

    I have been asked, many times, where I see myself in 5 or 10 years… and the idea of this is nice but I find the question a bit challenging. So often I wonder if we become attached to that image of ourselves in the future that we are blind to the life that is around us each moment – unable to see and experience the opportunities that present themselves… and then challenged to adapt to the curve balls that come our way and change our lives completely.

    Happy New Year Lori – May your journey into the treasures of life continue… and may I continue to share it!

    Thank you Evita for featuring Lori here!

    • Lori says:

      Hi M,
      It’s always wonderful to cross paths with you, my friend. I hope all has been well for you. Thank you so much for taking time to comment here at lovey Evita’s patch of the Earth. :)

      I like the words you chose, saying, “…and the Earth starts its journey to awaken once again…,” that’s gorgeous imagery. Thank you for the mind candy.

      That’s a good point, too, about the future. I always felt so “stumped” when interviewers asked me that question during various job inquiries. I think I always kind of looked cross-eyed at that question. It seems, so, well, not based in reality. I like reading your thoughts about that topic. (Mind meld!) ;)

      Happy 2011 to you, too, M. I really do hope we can continue our walk of friendship. You have been quite a gift in my life and I appreciate you. Best to you and much love.
      ~xo

  14. Carrie says:

    Ummmm words fail me. I am honoured to have read your inspiring words and have saved this interview for further re-reading as today my head is very fuzzy.
    I think I’m ready for the teacher to come…

    • Lori says:

      Hi Carrie,
      You’re very kind, thank you. I am likewise honored that you’d take the time to read my words and feel something from them.
      Sorry your head is fuzzy — I can totally relate to that, more than you’ll ever know. :) Hang in there. I often meditate when this happens to me, to quiet the mind, let it recover, and renew.
      Much love to you, and get ready for the teacher. She might be right in front of you, ready to lend a hand.
      ~xo

  15. Robin Easton says:

    Dearest Lori, I can’t imagine one reading this without tearing up from the LOVE that emanates from you. I feel it all around you and in you. It washes over me every time I see you, hear you. You are an exceptional soul. There is a deep peace in you, no matter what you are feeling. What I mean is, you are at peace with Lori, and can let the joy or the storms swirl around you. I relate to this so strongly that I feel deeply close to you.

    I have been through so much in my life, but because I made peace with myself, life and the world at a young age I can let the world swirl around me and still be anchored in Love. In my second book which I am working on, I write about my experience with “Nothing”. It was in letting go all that I “thought” was Robin (until I had nothing left and basically died), that I found myself. I lost myself to find myself.
    When I “died”, let go, there was only “The Great Nothingness”, and for several months I hiked through the rainforest in torrential rain, and all I could feel was nothing. I no longer had thoughts, or even feelings….just Nothing.

    Eventually I began to grieve the death and loss of Robin, and then with time I felt at peace with just being “Nothing”. I had traveled so far into The Great Silent Universe that I had burned all my bridges, there was no going back. I evolved in a very short time. I wasn’t even the same person. And I knew that the people I had loved or grown up with would never even know what I’d been though. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to put it into words. I knew that people would look at me and “think” I was the same as I’d always been, the same as them, the same. But it was like I had evolved into…another species of human. I looked the same, basically acted the same, but I WAS “Nothing”. I had become Nothing.

    One day in the forest as I sat on a rock, knowing I would never ever be the same again, EVER. Knowing that I had altered my entire physiology, and could not go back to how I’d been, knowing that Robin didn’t exist anymore. I sat there and even accepted that I might be be alone in this “Nothingness” and no one might ever see what I had been though. Two things happened, I realized that it didn’t matter if no one ever understood me. And the second thing that happened is still unforgettable: I was overcome by the most tender infinitely loving presence, and I heard a voice say: “You are not alone child. I am with you. I have always been with you. Now that you are empty I can enter. I am what you seek. I am you.” I willingly fell into the Loving arms of The Great Nothingness.

    When I returned to society, I finally realized that it didn’t matter that my fellow beings know what I’d been through. It was something that must be experienced, not told, or even taught. What connected me to others was simply LOVING them, just tenderly, compassionately loving them everywhere I went, people in the store, the bank, the road, the trail, anywhere. I simply love people with no need for anything back. i see them as Love. They are. I love because I am so filled with Love, that I HAVE to let it spill into the world, or I would burst.

    Dearest Lori, I see this same infinite love and peace in you. You are a truly great women. You move through the world with such tender love and compassion. You soothe, you “see”, you acknowledge others on the deepest possible level. I love you. I am with you. Always. Robin

    • Lori says:

      Robin,
      Oh my, I don’t even know where to begin in trying to respond to you gorgeous comment, outreach, and wellspring of love. (You know I love you, I do.)

      What I find fascinating about you is that I could see me writing something like your comment, truly, of course with a different set of circumstances and maybe a few different words. ;)

      Seriously, I know so close to my being from where you are speaking, from this place where Nothingness and Emptiness are the point of all beginnings and all endings, and everything in between.

      Infinity.

      Universal One-ness.

      Emptiness.

      Nothingness.

      What more is there, but to love and be loved, to adore our human brothers and sisters, and to care and love our amazing planet.
      You and Evita’s presence in my life has been comforting, loving, and healing. I can’t tell you how happy I am that we finally found each other, again, now in this life. (You and I, girl, we go way back…) ;)

      Thanks so much, Robin lovely. You are an angel.
      Much Love!
      ~xo

  16. Sandra Lee says:

    Lori,

    This is stunning beautiful in so many ways ~ you shine so brightly. May you always shine so brightly and be a beacon of light for others.

    Motivation sets the tone of our life. Yours is profound and deep: “As I walk about my neighborhood, or pass a stranger, I feel warmth and love for each person. I want so much for everyone to see their immense capacity for love, connection to nature, connection to each other, and connection to the universe.”

    I too love the way “Buddhism can be considered a science of the mind, and my mind yearns for careful study and observation.” Almost everyone can related to the essential messages of Buddhism. No wonder why the Dalai Lama is loved by so many. Albert Einstein said “If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism.” But of course, as you have said, Buddhism can be practiced as a science of mind or lifestyle without following it was a “religion.”

    Thanks for your beautiful words.

    • Lori says:

      Hi Sandra,
      What a delight to see you here, thank you for being here. :)

      I was thinking about you when I was writing my responses to Evita, actually. I was pondering what you might interpret regarding some of the concepts here, so I am pleased to hear your thoughts. Very much. I had a feeling we would be very like-minded and have similar viewpoints.

      I love that you included the Einstein quote, it’s one of my favorites, too. I think one of the main reasons I am so incredibly drawn to Buddhism, is that it can be practiced as a lifestyle doesn’t require a dismantling (or building?) of a ‘religious’ platform. It’s all about what is inside each person, and how we view/approach the world, really.

      Thank you for your wise contributions here, at your site, and otherwise around the internet, Sandra. You make my heart smile and wrap my life in sunlight and joy. :)
      ~xo

  17. [...] I mentioned recently while responding to Evita’s questions, I resonate most closely with Buddhist practices when it comes to spirituality and have been [...]

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