Reading this morning’s newspaper, I was surprised to read the ‘celebrity tweet of the day’: “Looking at the pattern of our existence from birth to death, we can see the way in which we are fundamentally nurtured by other’s affections.” The author of this twitter message? The Dalai Lama!
I had to sit for some time trying to comprehend that the Dalai Lama has a Twitter account. This seemed impossible to me and yet, from what I have read, he is someone whose very existence has been dedicated to helping people live full, rich and spiritual lives grounded in the present. So why should I be surprised?
His message, of course, was not a surprising one. Looking for the patterns in our lives. Honoring the ways in which we are inextricably woven together as humans. Naming the importance of a caring, compassionate, loving way in which we move in the world. Reflecting on many of the inane things people write with their precious 140 characters on Twitter, this message is a profound one. And one that provides a challenge to be lived out each day.
It reminded me of a scene I experienced many summers ago. I was vacationing in Bayfield, Wisconsin and we were driving up the main highway toward the sweet little village of Cornocopia. That evening we were set to go to Big Top Chautauqua to hear a concert by Zen Buddhist priests. Driving at a leisurely pace to the town named for the overflowing horn of plenty, I saw some action on a playground to the right of the car. I turned to see 6 to 8 Buddhist priests, saffron robes flowing out from their small, trim bodies, swinging and playing on the equipment. Their smiles were radiant as they became physical manifestations of joy. These grown men were bathing in the affection of one another. The sight should have been odd but somehow wasn’t. It seemed the most natural thing in the world.
Reading the message from this wise man, I felt a sadness that moved into a prayer for all the people who do not know this kind of affection, this human interaction that breeds birth to death stories in us. I thought of the people I know who find it difficult to form relationships that last, that go deep, that makes crevices in their cells. I thought of the children who may never know the kind of affection that will help them form into their best selves, which will see them through life’s struggles. My heart goes out to all those who never know the kind of affection the Dalai Lama speaks of.
But my heart also goes out to all the people who know the affection of others and who do not take it for granted. Those who are painting an epic story of their lives through the kindness and love that has been poured into them. Those who have been loved unconditionally from the time they slipped into this world until they are carried lovingly Home.
Affection…….it is ours to share. Today and every day.
