Thanks

I was held back by mere trifles, the most paltry inanities, all my old attachments.
– Saint Augustine

"Sooner or later, most of us encounter the haunting fear that if we turn our senses inwards, which is what diving into the murky water of consciousness means, we may lose everything enjoyable in life. This fear is one of the most formidable obstacles between us and deepening meditation. But if we persevere, we will see the day when these old attachments will fall away, almost of themselves, and no one will be as surprised as we are.

Gradually, with experience, our faith grows that deep within us the Self is willing and able to take responsibility for our ultimate welfare. Slowly we can surrender our personal will to an immeasurably more profound purpose. Bit by bit, we can work ourselves loose from the grip of compulsive entanglements in the faith that our capacity to love and be loved will thereby be magnified a millionfold."
–Thought for the Day – November 25th (Thanksgiving Eve) by Eknath Easwarn

This walking the spiritual path seems so difficult at times. I read EE’s Thought for the Day every day, and every day he reminds me in some way of how much work I still have to do. Coming to Naropa has been an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in a practice environment and in connection with so many experiences that push my buttons and raise my hackles as the old folks used to say. I can see daily how much there still is to let go of and once in awhile I glimpse how something has shifted and I am seeing a bit more clearly. For this on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, I have much gratitude. I am truly grateful for the blessings I receive daily from my Naropa experience even as it stresses me some days almost beyond my limits. What I can say without a doubt I am most grateful for in this experience is my Cultivating the Sacred companions on this path. Thanks to you all and may you all have a most blessed and precious holiday.