Author Archives: jimwdollar

It takes a regular routine of returningto a quiet place to open ourselvesto what is calling our name,seeking to get our attention,and point us in the directionof our destinyand the work that is ours to do.Be aware of the things that catch your eye,that pique your interest,that wink at you and disappear.We do not thinkContinue reading “November 29, 2024”

It is appalling, ludicrous, ridiculous, absurd and obscene that God would hold everyone forever accountablefor Adam’s and Eve’s disobeying orders.Perhaps it was Nestorius who said,”No one can sin for someone else,and no one can redeem someone else’s sin.”If the writer of the Garden of Eden talehad been wise enough to shape itafter Jesus’ parable ofContinue reading “November 28, 2024”

We are carried along by forces quite beyond us,into circumstances we cannot imagine.Our place is to rise to the occasionwithout judgment, agendas, or even preferences.With us one situation is as good as another,providing us with a context within whichwe show our stuff,doing what is called for where, when and howit is called for,using the giftsContinue reading “November 27, 2024”

Noise, complexity, trauma, drama,keep things stirred upand produce the heaving wavesand clashing rockson the wine-dark sea.Emptiness, stillness, silencereduce complicationand increase clarity and simplicity.What is the status of your balance and harmony?What are the forces of destabilizationat work in your life?Where to you go for peace, calm, serenity, tranquility?How intentional and deliberate are youabout managing theContinue reading “November 26, 2024”

We make our way along the Wayby doing what is called forin each situation as it arises.True to our original nature,our innate virtues(What we do best and enjoy doing most)and our intrinsic intuition,we have all it takes to be who we areas “circumstances beget circumstances,”and we experience the miracleof no plan/no agenda,no striving/no desiringproducing aContinue reading “November 25, 2024”

What guides your choices?Directs your actions?Why do you do what you doand not do what you don’t do?What is in charge of you?Boss of you?Telling you what is to be “Yes,”and what is to be “No”?Who–okay, whom–do you live to please?If you say you do,who–okay, whom–would be most pleasedwith how you live?Everyone talks about “freedomContinue reading “November 24, 2024”

Seeking Buddha. Seeking Jesus. Seeking God. Is seeking ourselves.We are seeking ourselves.We are the Buddha. We are Jesus. We are God.Why do you balk at that?Sit with it for a whileand you will see that it is so.You can sit looking into a mirror,or you can sit in the emptiness, stillness, silence.As you sit,you willContinue reading “November 23, 2024”

What do we hope to receive from Christianity/Buddhism?Eternal life?Nirvana?Really?Those two religions have been(And continue to be)sold as ways to guarantee our eternal-everlasting happinessfor the low low priceof believing what we are told to believe.Really?I’m only looking for assistancewith balance and harmony,serenity, tranquility, equanimity,integrity, sincerity, spontaneity,vitality, focus and clarity.I only want to dispense with wanting,and knowContinue reading “November 22, 2024”

Native Americans and People of Color have put up with/survivedvicious absurdity for 250 years.They can be our everlasting succorand guidesthrough the wilderness of fear and hatred,boiling and seething,can’t-waiting until it can show uswhat it has in store.But, in truth, there is nocomfort and consolation–and we all get to see what we are made of.”I willContinue reading “November 21, 2024”

What forms do your addictions take?I assume we are all addicted to something,given the fact that our life consistsof obstructions and dead ends and barrierson after another for as long as life lasts.My father was addicted to nicotine and alcohol.My mother, too.I’m addicted to looking out the window,writing and producing photographic imagesby the boatload.I alsoContinue reading “November 20, 2024”

A lot rides on how well we squareourselves up to,come to terms with,make our peace with,adjust to,how things areand do what we can about itwithout making things worseand ride it out.But.When we have had enough,anything goes.And.When the time is rightand “enough” is close enough,we take our chancescounting on our determinationto make it work this timeandContinue reading “November 19, 2024”

I refuse to be a part of conversationsthat have nothing to say about them.If you sit next to me at the lunch counter,I’m going to ask you how your balance and harmony(One thing, not two)is going these days.Depending on how you respond,I’m going to ask you what the most meaningfulthings you do in a dayContinue reading “November 18, 2024”