TEA AND ZEN - THREADS

This being human is a guest house. Each morning a new arrival, a joy, a depression, a meanness. Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all. Even if they're a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house, empty of its furniture, still treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice. Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. Rumi Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

THE SPIRIT OF THE SAINTS There is a Water that flows down from HeavenTo cleanse the world of sin by grace Divine.At last, its whole stock spent, its virtue gone.Dark with pollution not its own, it speedsBack to the Fountain of all purities;Whence, freshly bathed, earthward it sweeps again,Trailing a robe of glory bright and pure. This Water is the Spirit of the Saints,Which ever sheds, until itself is beggared,God’s balm on the sick soul; and then returnsTo Him who made the purest light of Heaven. Rumi Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

The pearl-colored mist symbolizing a gentle, all-encompassing love, that envelops everything, softening and uniting the world in a tranquil and harmonious way. Evoking a sense of purity and serenity, suggesting that love is a universal force that surrounds us and connects us all, and has the power to heal all wounds…..your true nature. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

It doesn’t have to bethe blue iris, it could beweeds in a vacant lot, or a fewsmall stones; justpay attention, then patch a few words together and don’t tryto make them elaborate, this isn’ta contest but the doorway into thanks, and a silence in whichanother voice may speak. Mary Oliver Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Chunky and noisy,but with stars in their black feathers,they spring from the telephone wireand instantly they are acrobatsin the freezing wind.And now, in the theater of air,they swing over buildings, dipping and rising;they float like one stippled starthat opens,becomes for a moment fragmented, then closes again;and you watchand you trybut you simply can't imagine how they do itwith no articulated instruction, no pause,only the silent confirmationthat they are this notable thing,this wheel of many parts, that can rise and spinover and over again,full of gorgeous life. Ah, world, what lessons you prepare for us,even in the leafless winter,even in the ashy city.I am thinking nowof grief, and of getting past it; I feel my bootstrying to leave the ground,I feel my heartpumping hard. I want to think again of dangerous and noble things.I want to be light and frolicsome.I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing,as though I had wings. Mary Oliver Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

A moment of happiness, you and I sitting on the verandah, apparently two, but one in soul, you and I. We feel the flowing water of life here, you and I, with the garden’s beauty and the birds singing. The stars will be watching us, and we will show them what it is to be a thin crescent moon. You and I unselfed, will be together, indifferent to idle speculation, you and I. The parrots of heaven will be cracking sugar as we laugh together, you and I. In one form upon this earth, and in another form in a timeless sweet land. Kulliyat-e Shams, 2114 Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

We are the very source of love we seek, we have the power to create and experience love, peace, and equanimity from within. By recognizing this truth we can shift our focus from the external to the internal, finding a sense of completeness and contentment that transcends all evidence to the contrary. Remember that we need not be seekers of happiness, but come to accept that we are, in this moment, the very embodiment of Love and our work is to surrender our suffering and travail to that truth, to become aware of it from within. The love peace and equanimity we so yearn for are not external treasures to be found but internal realities to be accepted. The journey to discovering ourselves is not a quest for something new, but a deepening of our awareness of the boundless love that lays within. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org May you find it now. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Sit, take a moment and remember love, remember your divine nature, accept it, surrender to it, and share it with all……..for-ever and a day. Nigel Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Justsit there right nowDon’t do a thing. Just rest. For yourseparation from Godis the hardest work in this world. Let me bring you trays of food and somethingthat you like todrink. You can use my soft wordsas a cushionfor yourhead. teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

KEEPING WATCH In the morningWhen I began to wake,It happened again— That feelingThat you, Beloved,Had stood over me all nightKeeping watch, That feelingThat as soon as I began to stir You put Your lips on my foreheadAnd lit a Holy LampInside my heart Hafiz. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Imagine just for this moment if you truly knew the depth of your potential, your worth, and the incredible power within you. Many of us live confined by doubt, limited by fear, and shaped by the expectations of others. We become versions of ourselves that fit within these constraints, forgetting the vastness of who we really are. If you knew who you truly are—a being capable of immense love, creativity, and resilience—your life would look different. You wouldn’t settle for less than you deserve, nor would you let fear guide your choices. You would approach challenges with confidence, knowing that you have within you everything needed to overcome them. So often, we look outside ourselves for validation or permission to be great. But the truth is, all that power lies within. If you could see yourself without the veil of insecurity, you’d be astonished at the strength, beauty, and brilliance that’s been there all along. Understanding your true self isn’t just about realizing your talents and abilities; it’s about recognizing the value and significance of your presence in the world. You’re more than your struggles and circumstances. You’re a unique expression of life, with a purpose that no one else can fulfill. Oh, if you only knew who you really are—you’d start living boldly, dreaming fearlessly, and embracing the limitless possibilities waiting for you, for there is no birth, no death, there is only this moment we call NOW, an endless continuum of infinite LOVE and LIGHT. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

The path to uncovering the eternal truth of a love beyond measure, that lays at the heart of us is not straightforward, for we are told narrow is the gate. It requires the courage to confront our fears, the compassion to heal our wounds, and the perseverance to navigate life’s complexities. Yet, each step toward inner peace and boundless love brings us closer to realizing our true nature and fulfilling our highest possible potential, dissolved in the light. The path to what is truly meaningful demands discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering conviction, and can only be taken by Faith. The wide gate is inviting, offering comfort and indulgence with little resistance, but it leads to emptiness. The narrow gate, however, is challenging and seldom chosen. It requires perseverance, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. Few venture through it, not because the destination is unworthy, but because the journey is demanding. It asks for more than just belief—it asks for action, courage, and the strength to remain steadfast even when the world offers easier paths. The narrow gate symbolizes the journey of transformation, a road less traveled that requires walking away from what’s convenient or popular. It’s a personal calling, guiding those willing to take it toward a life of unimaginable peace and love, there really are no words to describe, the core essence of absolute reality, of absolute BEING. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

While love is undeniably the creative force of the universe, it is woven together with other elements: transformation, consciousness, interconnection, balance and mystery. Together, they form the vast, intricate tapestry of existence, where love is both the thread and the design. All things are interconnected in that seamless web of existence. This oneness points to a universal harmony, where every particle, wave, and being is an expression of a single, unified reality. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org May all love become you. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

The whole of planet Earth is a sacred site. All people are the chosen people, and the purpose of our lives is a spiritual one. May we care for each other, and for the Earth, for everything relates to everything else. Feeling this oneness, may we radiate the light of love and kindness that all may live in unity and peace." ~ Radha Sahar. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

May the light of a thousand candles guide your path. May their warm, gentle glow illuminate your way, bringing comfort and clarity through the darkest of times. Let their radiant presence remind you that you are surrounded by love, hope, and support, and may they lead you safely and peacefully to the place you call home. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

The Summer Day Who made the world? Who made the swan, and the black bear? Who made the grasshopper? This grasshopper, I mean the one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes. Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away. I don’t know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? ~Mary Oliver Inspired By Daphne Sipes, The Happiness Practice Club Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

COURAGE ~ FAITH ~ HUMILITY ~ COMPASSION ~ INTEGRITY ~ HONOR LOVE Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Forgiveness is often misunderstood as an obligation to excuse or condone the actions of others, but it is so much more profound and transformative than that. At its core, forgiveness is about opening your heart again—not necessarily to the actions of others, but to the individuals themselves. This distinction is crucial for true healing and personal peace. When we talk about forgiveness, it's important to understand that we are not required to forgive the act of wrongdoing. The nature of the offense, the hurt it caused, and the impact it had on our lives are valid and real. These aspects do not simply vanish with forgiveness. However, forgiving the person behind the act—essentially, the "actor"—is a gift you give yourself. As you create space within your own heart, you are also extending that same opportunity for healing to the person or persons who hurt you. Forgiving the actor is about releasing the emotional hold that resentment and anger have over you. It is about freeing your heart from the burdens of past grievances and choosing to move forward without being shackled by negative emotions. This act of opening your heart does not mean that you condone harmful behavior or that you are obliged to maintain a relationship with someone who continues to cause you pain. Rather, it means that you choose to release yourself from the emotional chains that tie you to that hurtful experience. The process of forgiving someone is deeply intertwined with self-healing. When you choose to forgive, you are essentially creating space within yourself for growth and renewal. This space allows you to reconnect with your own inner self, to heal wounds that may have been festering for years, and to embrace a more peaceful and balanced state of mind. Forgiveness is also a powerful act of self-love. It requires that you see beyond the hurtful actions and recognize the humanity in the other person. This recognition can lead to a profound realization: there is a fundamental oneness in our shared human experience. By forgiving, you acknowledge that everyone is on a journey, and that their actions, while painful, are often a reflection of their own struggles and suffering. Importantly, forgiveness does not mean you need to tolerate or accept behavior that is detrimental to your well-being. Setting boundaries and protecting yourself is crucial. However, even in the process of separating yourself from harmful behavior, you can still keep your heart open. This openness is a form of spiritual and emotional resilience that allows you to move forward without carrying the weight of past hurts. The world seems to cry out for forgiveness—a universal plea for healing and connection. By practicing forgiveness, you contribute to a collective wave of compassion and understanding that can transform not only your own life but also ripple out to others. In essence, forgiveness is an act of profound love—love for yourself and for the shared humanity that binds us all. In summary, forgiveness is not about forgetting or excusing the actions of others. It is about opening your heart to the process of healing, releasing the hold of past hurts, and embracing a broader, more compassionate view of our interconnectedness. It’s a personal journey that reflects a universal truth: love and understanding are powerful forces for change and healing in a world that is ever in need of both. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org 501 (C) Non Profit, Registered Charity Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

"Forgiveness is the cash you need. All other kinds of silver really buy just strange things. Everything has its music. Everything has the genes of God inside. But learn from those courageous addicted lovers of glands and gold -Look, they cannot jump high or chuckle long when they are whirling. And the moon and the stars became sad when their tender light is used for night wars. Forgiveness is part of the treasure you need to craft your falcon wingsAnd return to your true realm, our true realm of divine freedom. " Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

In remembering the infinite possibilities that are born of knowing that all love surrounds you, lives within you and that all life including yours is so very, very precious ....there is not a moment to lose. So love now all that you can, surrender to its power, to the heart of it, know that in the beginning, as in the end it is... "all that is or ever was or ever will be." Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Sit, meditate, surrender to LOVE….breathe. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

In a world where questions abound about the nature of existence and the essence of truth, many seek clarity on what is real and what is not. People often ponder the truth of this or that, hoping to uncover the deeper meaning behind life’s complexities. At the heart of this exploration lies a profound understanding: Love is the ultimate truth, only Love. If you believe that your God or higher power embodies love and seeks to manifest kindness and compassion, then let that belief guide your journey through life. Embracing this perspective invites you to navigate existence with an open heart, seeking to understand the world through the lens of love, from deep within YOU! The Essence of Love It is crucial to recognize that any thought, word, or deed that is not rooted in love cannot hold the truth. When we act or think from a place of fear, anger, or selfishness, we stray from the essence of what is genuine and real. Instead, we end up creating thoughts , words and deeds that are seemingly real, ultimately illusions however that may appear real, significant in our lives but ultimately lack the truth, the reality that Love provides. Consider the moments when we feel sad, disconnected, or lost; these feelings often arise when we stray from Love’s guiding principle. In contrast, when we engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding, we tap into a deeper truth that resonates with our core being, and we connect. The Illusion of Reality While the world presents itself with tangible experiences and seemingly concrete realities, it is essential to remember that what we perceive may not always reflect the underlying truth. Love stands as the only absolute, ultimate reality, transcending the fleeting nature of our perceptions. Everything else we encounter—conflict, division, suffering—ultimately fades in the light of Love. Love conquers all, and all in the end returns to Love. This perspective invites us to challenge our perceptions and question the validity of our experiences. When faced with adversity or confusion, we can return to the guiding principle of love, reminding ourselves that these challenges are often illusions, masking the true nature of existence. Conclusion: Choosing Love as Truth In our quest for understanding and truth, we must consistently choose love as our compass. By grounding our thoughts, words, and deeds in love, we align ourselves with the ultimate reality that transcends the transient nature of the world. As we embrace love, we cultivate a deeper understanding of life and our place within it, transforming our journey into one filled with purpose and connection. Ultimately, the truth of it all can be summarized in a simple yet profound realization: Love is the key to unlocking the deeper meanings of existence, guiding us toward a reality that is richer and more fulfilling than any illusions we often encounter to the contrary. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

To achieve true freedom, to harmonize our will with that of the Universe and its creative essence, there inevitably comes a pivotal moment in every life. It demands great courage—regardless of the consequences—where we must align with the truth residing solely within the spiritual heart and its innate Love and Wisdom. It calls us to take a firm stand with feet grounded firmly on Mother Earth, may you find your way there, may you find your way home! Every thought, word, and action must then be guided by kindness and compassion—in the name of Love—for the sake of peace on earth. How else can we attain genuine liberation? Could this be that moment? I sincerely hope so. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Sit with yourself for a moment or two in a quiet space, and remember Love. Circumstances would have it at times, that Love appears to have been forgotten in our grief. In those moments know that it has not forgotten you, its truth forever your guide and friend. It waits patiently for your return, and yes it really is only a blink of an eye away. Nigel Lott Music ‘Somewhere in Between’ by Epidemic Sound.“ Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

The patterns, dynamics, and laws that govern our lives weave between our thinking minds and the wisdom of our hearts. These principles apply both individually and collectively within humanity. Recognizing that every individual consciousness contributes significantly to the energy of our world and the universe, influencing the balance between light and darkness, is crucial. We hold responsibility for the presence of light or darkness in any given moment. Thus, it becomes our personal responsibility to seek truth within our own hearts, uncovering the love that unites us all and liberates us from darkness, By sharing our experiences of light, we uplift one another and transcend the shadows, to the point there is no awareness of other, only the ONE love that sets us all free. Supporting each other in our personal growth and alignment with the universe's will, guided by love, is essential. Through humility and grace, we extend this understanding to all sentient beings, fostering harmony and enlightenment everywhere. Ask not what your country can do for you-Ask what you can do for your country. JFK. Ask not what others can do for you -Ask what you can do with others. NBL. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

You come to us from another world, from beyond the stars and void of space, transcendent, pure, of unimaginable beauty, bringing with you the essence of love. You transform all who are touched by you. Mundane concerns, troubles and sorrows dissolve in your presence, bringing joy to ruler and ruled, to peasant and king. You bewilder us with your grace. All evils transform into goodness. You are the master alchemist. You light the fire of love in earth and sky, in heart and soul of every being. Through your love, existence and nonexistence merge. All opposites unite. All that is profane becomes sacred again. Rumi Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

I am musing on this July 4th about celebration, celebrating Independence, Independence Day. And how that translates to me is a deep desire a prayer if you like that all life, all sentient beings become free, become independent of their suffering. For we are One Love. And our resistance to that is all the suffering that any of us go through, in any particular lifetime, or put it another way we find that when we surrender to that one love within and without all suffering ceases. For this reason; therefore on this Independence Day, July 4th, 2024, may all love become you. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

"When you truly realize that you have everything you need, and always have-deep within, then you will want for nothing more." Nigel Lott There is a hunger in every human heart, which nothing can satisfy or appease— a hunger for something more true than ordinary human beings wit of, a hunger for the real, a hunger for the sublime. It is the nostalgia of the soul, of the spirit-soul of man. The source of this longing is the home-sickness brought about by the soul-memory of our spiritual abode, whence we came and towards which we are now on our return journey. Men unconsciously, intuitively, unknown to the brain-mind, see the vision sublime on the mountaintops of the mystic East; and oh! this yearning homesickness for the indescrib-able, for the immortal, for the deathless, for that which brings unutterable peace and the path to a love which is frontierless in its reaches! Every human heart feels this, and it is the saving power in men, the thing which gives them hope and aspiration, which raises their souls with the recognition of the glory that once was theirs. Light for the mind, love for the heart, understanding for the intellect: all three must be satisfied in every man before he has real peace. There is a path, a sublime pathway of wisdom and illumination which begins, for each human being, in any one incarnation on this earth in the present life, and thereafter leads inward, for it is the pathway of con- sciousness and spiritual realization leading ever inward, more inward, still more inward, toward the mystic East, which is the heart of the universe, and it is the core of you — the rising sun of spiritually divine consciousness within you. Golden Precepts of Esotericism. G. de Purucker Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Open your heart, embrace the truth resonating within, and journey ever deeper into the limitless expanse of love's infinite possibilities. In this journey, may we discover ourselves, each other, (to the point were we realize there is no other only ONE of us) and the boundless grace flowing through every breath. Through love, we uncover the eternal truth of our interconnectedness, weaving the tapestry of life with threads of love, compassion, and understanding. Let us embrace this truth and live it now, for in doing so, we honor the essence of life itself—the eternal dance of love in motion, turning darkness into light. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

The vagus nerve provides a pathway to inner peace and well-being. By tapping into the calming effects of breathing, we activate this remarkable neural pathway and nurture a deeper sense of calm, clarity, and connection in our lives. In every breath—inhale and exhale alike—lies an opportunity for each of us to reconnect with ourselves, find peace amid chaos, and embrace the richness of our human experience. Take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and rediscover the profound wisdom that resides within you. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Despite our having individual identities or forms, we are all part of a larger whole, much like how a river flows into the ocean, merging and becoming one with it, any perceived separation is but illusion. That despite apparent separateness or duality in individuals or relationships, there is ultimately a singular essence or energy that connects and unifies them …..in this case, LOVE being that unifying force. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org When you listen to the words of this poem, listen with all of your spiritual heart, just below the sternum, were all truth and unity dwells. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

To recognize the omnipresence of Love opens up infinite possibilities, every moment becomes precious, each breath a testament to the divine presence surrounding us. Love, a universal force, transcends all boundaries and has the power to transform suffering into liberation. Embrace also the boundless love within; let it guide you to self-realization and illumination. Surrender to its power, knowing it encompasses all that ever was or will be. Music ‘Lay Down With Me’ By Hannah Lindgren Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Whistling Swans Do you bow your head when you pray or do you lookup into that blue space?Take your choice, prayers fly from all directions.And don’t worry about what language you use,God no doubt understands them all.Even when the swans are flying north and makingsuch a ruckus of noise, God is surely listeningand understanding.Rumi said, There is no proof of the soul.But isn’t the return of spring and how itsprings up in our hearts a pretty good hint?Yes, I know, God’s silence never breaks, but isthat really a problem?There are thousands of voices, after all.And furthermore, don’t you imagine (I just suggest it)that the swans know about as much as we do aboutthe whole business?So listen to them and watch them, singing as they fly.Take from it what you can. by Mary Oliver Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

During moments when truth seems overwhelming and our desires clash with reality, our human inclination to impose judgments and preferences arises naturally. Love, however….the essence of the Great Way of Things….remains impartial, free from bias. It allows the absolute reality of truth to surface, ensuring that it is revealed in its entirety, now and forevermore…….that all destiny might prevail. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

When the dark wood fell before meAnd all the paths were overgrownWhen the priests of pride say there is no other wayI tilled the sorrows of stone I did not believe because I could not seeThough you came to me in the nightWhen the dawn seemed forever lostYou showed me your love in the light of the stars Cast your eyes on the oceanCast your soul to the seaWhen the dark night seems endlessPlease remember me Then the mountain rose before meBy the deep well of desireFrom the fountain of forgivenessBeyond the ice and the fire Cast your eyes on the oceanCast your soul to the seaWhen the dark night seems endlessPlease remember me Though we share this humble path, aloneHow fragile is the heartOh give these clay feet wings to flyTo touch the face of the stars Breathe life into this feeble heartLift this mortal veil of fearTake these crumbled hopes, etched with tearsWe'll rise above these earthly cares Cast your eyes on the oceanCast your soul to the seaWhen the dark night seems endlessPlease remember me MAY ALL LOVE BECOME YOU, MAY ALL SORROWS CEASE! Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Grief is a profound and complex emotion that touches every human at some point in life. It manifests in the deep sense of loss we experience when something or someone we cherish is no longer with us. But grief is more than just sadness; it encompasses a fundamental belief that we have lost our connection to Love itself. When we speak of Love in this context, we refer to more than just romantic or familial bonds. It's about the deepest connection imaginable, where unity prevails and distinctions dissolve. Some may perceive this as a connection to God or the Divine; others simply recognize it as Love—the ultimate reality where we exist as One. In our journey through life, grief arises when we feel we've become fragmented, separated from that unity. It's a feeling deeply ingrained in our psyche, suggesting an inherent wound in humanity. This wound suggests that as we evolved into sentient beings, we began to perceive ourselves as distinct entities, separate from the whole. However, it's essential to challenge this perception. Despite our individual experiences and the illusion of separation, there is no true division. The belief in separation, though persistent throughout human history, is a construct of the mind rather than a reality. At our core, we remain interconnected with the fabric of existence. Grief, therefore, becomes a journey of reconciliation—a process where we learn to integrate our sense of loss with the understanding that Love, in its purest form, never truly departs. It is within us and around us, ever-present and eternal, infinite in nature—absolute reality. As we navigate the depths of grief, we come to realize that healing does not mean forgetting or replacing what we've lost. Instead, it involves embracing the truth that the essence of what we loved remains within us. It's a profound shift in perspective—an acknowledgment that even in our sorrow, we are still connected to the source of all Love and Unity. Ultimately, grief teaches us about the nature of love itself. It reminds us that Love transcends physical presence and temporal boundaries. It is the thread that weaves through our existence, binding us together in the tapestry of life. Finally, understanding grief requires us to look beyond the immediate pain of loss. It invites us to explore the deeper truths about our interconnectedness and the eternal nature of Love. By embracing this understanding, we can find solace and wisdom in our grief, knowing that Love, in its purest form, is always within reach, less than a blink of an eye away at any given moment. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

All forms of life are precious….ALL FORMS…..no matter any preferences or judgements to the contrary, because all forms of life are imbued with the creative force of the universe ….LOVE….without which they would not exist. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Music ‘Capitola Sunset' by Ave Air Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

May the blessings of love be upon you, May its peace abide with you, May its essence illuminate your heart, Now and forever more. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

If you find yourself in two minds looking for the truth of something, look deep into your heart instead, you’ll discover it there. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Long may your awareness of love and its power abide within you….its undying beauty always to remain. If you should forget its presence in you however….in times of trial and tribulation do not worry……for it will never forget you…..its truth forever your guide and friend. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

LOVE Love is God, God is Love. That's what I believe. Love is the foundational, essential creative force that underpins all existence, permeating every form and formlessness, omnipresent and infinite in nature. That's the essence of God. I remember as a small child being taught to pray to God. I can't quite recall if it was at the end of my bed, the side of my bed, or somewhere in between. But even as a very young child, not as a cognitive memory, but as a deep awareness, I was taught that God resided in heaven, a place a million trillion miles away at the end of the known universe and only there. It's quite astonishing, isn't it? The greatest misconception of all is that heaven is only in some distant realm, when in fact, it's right here on earth. And not just here on earth, but within us... heaven, where all creation dwells. As I wrote a little while ago, we are both the drop in the ocean and the ocean entire. We are all of it. Love. That God is love. I have experienced that love. I have known God. May all love encompass you and me. May all love encompass us. May we experience that love for ourselves. A love beyond measure. at the heart of all humankind, at the heart of all forms of LIFE... GOD. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

One important aspect I omitted in this recording is the significance of embracing the concept of letting go of outcomes. It's crucial to maintain our intent for something wholeHEARTedly, yet release our fixation on the final outcome, relinquishing our attachment to any specific result. Why? Because ultimately, we have no control over the outcome of anything! May All Love Become YOU. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Beloved, who has bid thee ask no moreHow fares my life ? to play the enemyAnd ask not where he dwells that was thy friend ?Thou art the breath of mercy passing o*erThe whole wide world, and the offender I ;Ah, let the rift my tears have channelled end,Question the past no more ! If thou would ‘st know the secret of Love’s fire.It shall be manifest unto thine eyes :Question the torch flame burning steadfastly,But ask no more the sweet wind’s wayward choir.Ask me of faith and love that never dies ;Darius, Alexander’s sovereignty,I sing of these no more. Ask not the monk to give thee Truth’s pure gold.He hides no riches ’neath his lying guise ;And ask not him to teach thee alchemyWhose treasure-house is bare, his hearth-stone cold.Ask to what goal the wandering dervish hies,They knew not his desire who counselled thee ;Question his rags no more ! And in their learned books thou ’lt seek in vainThe key to Love’s locked gateway ; Heart grown wiseIn pain and sorrow, ask no remedy !But when the time of roses comes again,Take what it gives, ere it flies,And ask not why the hour has brought it thee,And wherefore ask no more ! Hafez Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Be kind to yourself first and foremost. It is out of the cultivation of all love within your own precious heart that you will become a healing force for all other sentient beings, and for life itself. Nigel Lott…. teaandzen.org Music: My Mistakes by Amaranth Cove Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Celebrating 38 years of sobriety today, June 6th, 1986. I am grateful to all the people for their support that helped me generate the strength, resilience, and determination that I have found along the way. I had no idea I had that much courage...your light showed me how to embrace it. From the beginning, I've faced and overcome profound levels of trauma along the way that seemingly were that complex and deep that they stretched me to my limit and beyond at times, and yet there was love always on the other side waiting patiently for my return. I can only hope that my perseverance in healing continues to serve as a beacon of hope for others who may be on a similar path…..may all love become you. I will do my best in keeping the light shining bright, keep my heart open to others, and I pray the years ahead continue to be filled with peace, fulfillment, and continued success on the journey of recovery for all those on the path. A special mention for those who are still out there in pain, still drinking and using. My hope for you is this.....that you come to know the transformative power of a love that knows no bounds, that lays within you, always has and always will and that you find the courage to surrender and transcend your suffering.... to the healing power of that love. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

Then said Almitra, Speak to us of Love. And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them. And with a great voice he said: When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden. For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning. Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth. Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself. He threshes you to make you naked. He sifts you to free you from your husks. He grinds you to whiteness. He kneads you until you are pliant; And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God’s sacred feast. All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart. But if in your fear you would seek only love’s peace and love’s pleasure, Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love’s threshing-floor, Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears. Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; For love is sufficient unto love. When you love you should not say, “God is in my heart,” but rather, “I am in the heart of God.” And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own under- standing of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy; To return home at eventide with grati- tude; And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE

You have heard perhaps that which you resist persists? So let all experience in life go through you like Chinese food, hold to nothing and nothing will hold to you-save LOVE Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY DONATE