While it’s often dangerous to simplify contrasts to a binary view, nature seems to work this way. The way we approach life can often be broken down to one of “subject” or one of “subject vs. object”. This is central to the delineation Just Be It makes between directing our actions from heart’s ‘being’ in contrast to mind’s ‘doing’. Some of the delineations are listed below:

Here, now, interconnected. vs Not here, before or after, separated.

Healed, sense of wholeness. vs Dis-eased, fear.

At peace with Being. vs Restless to Do.

Largest sense of belonging without surrender of identity from smaller group’s belonging. vs. In fear that the smaller group will be threatened from differences

Embraces change and uncertainty with equanimity. vs Attempts to stop change with forceful methods

Values authority demonstrated through deep listening and understanding. vs
Values authority demonstrated through strong belief systems and judgment

Values Laws of Nature as demonstrated through ever evolving laws of science and integration with ancient spiritual wisdom. vs Values cognitive belief systems passed down through second hand information

Listens to understand. vs Speaks to persuade, refusing to openly listen

Dialog vs Debate and argument

Collaborative. vs Persuasive

Love/gratitude/ joy base. vs Fear/scarcity/anxiety base

Healing and stewardship approach to health. vs Prevention and cure approach.

We’re continually engaged in verbal chatter, whether with others or in our own heads. I find it very helpful to train to breaks from this chatter, whether through meditation, yoga, sport, or music. It may not last long, but it gives rise to awareness of the illusion to our separateness. I just found some notes from a retreat we did in Wisconsin with the Madison police force and a group of Vietnamese monks. Here’s a copy of those notes:

Thich Nhat Hanh

Meditation – Breath in – still waters
Breath out – I reflect clearly

Breath in – I’m space
Breath out – I’m free

If the mind is so preoccupied so there’s no space, you have nothing to offer. Most precious thing you can offer beloved ones is space. You must have space around you to be happy.

Dharma talk
Right thinking – reflects the situation as it is. Thinking that helps you understand more deeply. To be loving, compassionate and free.
Wrong thinking – urges you to blame another for all your difficulties.

You and the nature of love are impermanent. No one can swim in the same river twice, it’s always changing.
Our son is our continuation, he carries me into the future.

Law enforcement – a code of behavior that aims at producing harmony and peace. You cannot be taught through anger and authority.

A family should be organized as an organism. 1) protecting itself 2) healing itself
Mindfulness is our agent of protection and healing much like an immune system. Without mindfulness we bring into our bodies/family a lot of toxicity.

When talking with those who preach anger, violence, and fear, simply tell them, “I’ve heard enough of that, let’s talk about positive things.” There must be a code of behavior everyone accepts. Understanding is the very foundation of love. Do you take the time to look and understand? Can you handle yourself with compassion and understanding?