TEA AND ZEN - THREADS

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

Do this for the rest of your life, oh won’t you please? Create a sacred space for one another, share moments over tea, intertwine hands, and, for the divine essence that transcends everything, love each other deeply. Regardless of the name you ascribe to it, embrace a love so profound that distinctions blur, leaving only the unified love that binds us together and liberates us, setting us all free. In every human heart, there exists no love other than the one, a shared divinity woven from the same fabric. All souls yearn to rediscover their true nature, to be reunited. I invite you to contribute to this profound ongoing creative process by embodying kindness and love. When faced with challenges, recognize them as opportunities for personal growth, acknowledging that they are your unique journey in this lifetime—your karma, your destiny intricately woven into the cosmic tapestry. Own these experiences, and, if you choose to accept them, hold them close to your heart, for therein lies the alchemy, the magic, always in the heart… in turning darkness to light. Nigel Lott 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

Laughter? What is laughter? What is laughter? It is God waking up. Oh, it is God waking up. It is the sun poking its sweet head out from behind a cloud you have been carrying too long. Veiling your eyes and heart, it is light breaking ground for a great structure that is your real body. called truth. It is happiness applauding itself and then taking flight to embrace everyone and everything in this world. Laughter is the pole star held in the sky by our beloved who eternally says, yes, dear ones, come this way. Come this way toward me and love. 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

One earth, one mother, One sky, one beginning, One future, one destiny, One broken heart, one LOVE. We pray to You. Grant us a vision of unity. May we see the many in the one And the one in the many. Life of all the worlds, Source of all amazing differences, Help us to see clearly. Guide us gently and firmly toward each other, Toward peace. Rabbi S. Weinberg So Mote It Be. Music: Now we Gather by Joseph Beg 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

Let us with ever increasing acts of love, of kindness and compassion share our light from within, outward to all forms of life, to all sentient beings everywhere, both seen and unseen, in the sure and certain hope that all beings may become free of their suffering and find peace. Nigel Lott From what is not, lead me to what is....from darkness, lead me to light….from death, lead me to what is undying. (Brhadaranyaka Upanisad I.3.28) 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 wise old man said language by its nature deceives, cloaks the truth in darkness, rather than illuminate it. Truth said the wise old man is only to be found in silence, only in silence. Unknown. Stop thinking and talking and there is nothing you will not come to know.-Ram Dass [If you want to know the truth, embrace love and let it become your anchor, drawing you ever deeper into its embrace, infinity in motion It is the silence within, meeting the silence without, in that space out of time, that all truth is found beyond even a whisper Love is the essence of creation, the driving force behind all existence] Nigel Lott 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 greatest gift we can give one another is the unwavering presence of our hearts, leaning ever closer into each other’s souls. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Music ‘Grasping’ Hanna 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

“Whatever is held most sacred in our heart once, is forever held there, once sacred forever sacred, master that you are of your own soul.”— Nigel Lott 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

Don’t surrender your loneliness so quicklyLet it cut more deepLet it ferment and season youAs few humanOr even divine ingredients canSomething missing in my heart tonightHas made my eyes so softMy voiceSo tenderMy need of GodAbsolutelyClear.” Music AV. Joseph Beg None of us can ever really be alone, Love is always with us, our loneliness is about thinking it is not….and that can never be true…..Nigel Lott 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 the shifting sands of time and the ebbing flow of life's tides, the essence of love stands unwavering. It serves as a constant beacon, illuminating our path through the intricate labyrinth of existence…… forevermore. 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 be clear and true with another we must first be clear and true with ourselves, which is always going to be an ongoing project for all of us, at different levels. The mind can and will from time to time sow confusion and doubt, it’s difficult to know what’s up or down. We can however on this journey of remembering, of coming home to truth, to practice its expression in loving kindness and compassion. Even your anger, I mean if you are going to be angry do it with love, which maybe an oxymoron for some, however I think not. Be Kind, Be Gentle, Be LOVE, we are all indeed God’s creatures. Nigel Lott When in doubt…surrender always to 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

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

Once, there lived an old man who discovered a profound truth: words often diluted the essence of true communication, hindering genuine heart-to-heart connection. With this insight, he chose silence as his mode of expression. Instead of talking, he conveyed his feelings through silent gestures—baking apple pies for his neighbors and gifting flowers from his garden, allowing his heart and the love within it to speak volumes without uttering a single word. How then will you share your hearts truth? “It is in the silence within, meeting the silence without, in that space out of time, that all truth is found beyond even a whisper”.—Nigel Lott 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 the vast expanse of existence, there exists a force so profound, so pervasive, that it binds the fabric of reality together. It is the very essence that breathes life into the universe, transcending boundaries and manifesting in myriad forms. This force, often elusive yet omnipresent, is none other than love. From the cosmic dance of galaxies to the delicate embrace of a blooming flower, love courses through every aspect of creation. It is the invisible thread that connects all beings, uniting them in a symphony of existence. While science seeks to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos through equations and theories, it is the essence of love that truly animates the universe. At its core, love is more than just an emotion; it is an energy—a primordial force that fuels the very act of creation itself. Just as the sun radiates warmth and light, love emanates from the depths of the cosmos, infusing every atom with its divine essence. It is the catalyst for growth, the source of inspiration, and the foundation upon which life flourishes. In the realm of human experience, love takes on countless forms—be it the bond between parent and child, the affection shared between friends, or the passion that ignites romantic relationships. Yet, beyond these earthly expressions, love transcends the limitations of language and perception, reaching beyond the confines of time and space. Throughout history, poets, philosophers, and sages alike have sought to capture the essence of love in words. From the ancient teachings of mystics to the timeless verses of poets, the concept of love has been woven into the very tapestry of human culture. And while interpretations may vary, the underlying truth remains unchanged: love is the ultimate force of creation. In a world often marred by division and strife, the importance of love cannot be overstated. It is through love that we find meaning in our lives, forging connections that bridge the perceived divides between us. When we embrace love in its purest form—unconditional and boundless—we tap into the infinite reservoir of energy that underpins all existence. Moreover, the transformative power of love knows no bounds. It has the ability to heal wounds, mend broken hearts, and inspire acts of kindness and compassion. In a universe governed by entropy and chaos, love serves as a guiding light—a beacon of hope that illuminates even the darkest of nights. As we navigate the complexities of existence, let us remember that love is not merely a fleeting emotion, but the very essence of our being. It is the thread that binds us to one another and to the cosmos at large. And in realizing the profound truth that love is the energy that underpins all creation, we unlock the keys to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe in which we dwell. Nigel Lott 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

Dear Bob, Alison shared with me the playlist from your farewell gig at The Bell and Crown. I'm deeply moved by the memories it holds and would like to contribute a song to it. One evening in the late 70’s after our regular visit to The Prince Albert, we returned to your flat to unwind with music, a cherished ritual. It was on this night that you introduced me to Van Morrison's album 'Veedon Fleece' and played the track 'Come Here My Love'. Fast forward to July 10th, 1997, the day my daughter Lily entered the world. I prepared a playlist for the birthing room, including 'Come Here My Love'. Miraculously, at 3:15 pm, just as Lily arrived, the song began playing, as if it were destined, no doubt it was. Your essence, the Love that defined you in this life, remains eternal. Music was your language of Love, and I'm deeply grateful for the gift of 'Come Here My Love', which became the entrance melody to Lily's life. You'll forever be in my heart Bob, for whatever is held most sacred in our heart once, is forever held there, once sacred forever sacred. 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

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 stands as both the enigma and the answer, rather like the core essence of quantum mechanics. It's a creative force that defies definition yet permeates every aspect of existence. In its purest form, LOVE transcends boundaries, embracing all, yet paradoxically, it exists in the very absence of boundaries, in the voids and silences that punctuate the web of life. LOVE is omnipresent, threading its way through the fabric of the universe, binding atoms, galaxies, and souls alike. It's the cosmic glue that holds together the fragments of creation, infusing them with purpose and meaning. From the dance of subatomic particles to the majesty of celestial bodies, LOVE whispers its eternal song, reminding us of our interconnectedness. Yet, LOVE is also the silent companion in the depths of solitude. It dwells in the spaces between thoughts, in the quiet recesses of the heart where words falter and gestures fail. It's the solace found in the embrace of silence, the comfort of being held by the infinite expanse of nothingness. In relationships, LOVE manifests as a dance between presence and absence. It's the gaze that speaks volumes without uttering a word, the warmth of a touch that transcends physical boundaries. LOVE resides not only in the moments of togetherness but also in the spaces where two souls intersect yet remain distinct, honoring each other's autonomy and individuality. In the end, LOVE is not confined to the realms of the tangible or the visible. It's the creative force that animates life itself, weaving its way through existence with gentle grace. To LOVE is to embrace the paradox, to dance with the infinite while rooted in the present moment, knowing that in the vast expanse of all or nothing, LOVE remains the only constant. Nigel Lott LOVE is on every breath you take, was there before breath you took, and will be there when breath you take no more. Nigel Lott It is in the silence within, meeting the silence without, in that space out of time that all truth (love) is found beyond even a whisper. Nigel Lott In all existence, there can be no loss of LOVE ever, no matter what. 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

Every morningthe worldis created.Under the orange sticks of the sunthe heapedashes of the nightturn into leaves again and fasten themselves to the high branches–and the ponds appearlike black clothon which are painted islands of summer lilies.If it is your natureto be happyyou will swim away along the soft trails for hours, your imaginationalighting everywhere.And if your spiritcarries within it the thornthat is heavier than lead–if it’s all you can doto keep on trudging– there is stillsomewhere deep within youa beast shouting that the earthis exactly what it wanted– each pond with its blazing liliesis a prayer heard and answeredlavishly,every morning, whether or notyou have ever dared to be happy,whether or notyou have ever dared to pray. 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 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

Allow this chant which is about a HOPE FOR ENLIGHTENMENT to penetrate the spiritual heart space just below the sternum. Treat this as a meditation and allow the energy, tone and vibration to embed itself into every fibre of your being. The world needs your light and love 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