TEA AND ZEN - THREADS

The true essence of freedom from suffering lies not in the absence of pain but in our ability to rise above it, to transcend it, and to embrace life with an open heart and a liberated soul - a path of non-attachment and letting go of outcomes in surrendering to what is present in any given moment, a hard task to say the least at times, no doubt…… but there it is. 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

Remember 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 precious, there is not a moment to lose. 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 Day of SilenceCan be a pilgrimage in itself.A Day of SilenceCan help you listenTo the Soul playIt’s a marvelous lute and drum.Is not most talkingA crazed defense of a crumbling fort?I thought we came hereTo surrender in Silence,To yield to Light and Happiness,To Dance within,In celebration of Love's Victory” Hafiz. May All Love Become You…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

I received the news this morning, Bob, that you had departed from this mortal coil, laying your body down to rest. One of the earliest memories that flooded my mind upon hearing the news was that famous shared meal with Rob, relishing a colossal grilled cheese rarebit at your flat in Twickenham, circa 1979, forever etched in my memory. A substantial slice of crusty white bread topped with a generous slab of cheese—a simple yet a deep profound communion of friendship and sustenance, as we gathered to watch a game of rugby on TV. You were not just a friend, Bob, but a dear friend and brother to me. When I was in your presence I felt so very glad to be alive. 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

What I have been looking for all my life is already deep within me, always has been and always will be. I AM what I have been looking for. 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

May we live with a full moon in each eye, radiating openness and overflowing with love and compassion. May we see through the lens of love, expressing it in all our thoughts, words, and deeds. Let us speak with the sweet language of the moon, emphasizing kindness, sincerity, and understanding, connecting with the longing for connection within each of us. May we always embrace love as our guiding principle, recognizing the universal desire for connection that unites us all. Let us remember the transformative power of love to bridge divides, heal wounds, and bring meaning to our lives. Finally, In the multitude of hearts, may we remember that there is only One 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

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,There is a field. I'll meet you there.When the soul lies down in that grass,The world is too full to talk about.Ideas, language, even the phrase each otherDoesn't make any sense. In the end as in the beginning there are no differences. 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

In a world often dominated by fear and division, there exists an utterly profound yet often overlooked form of courage – the courage to stand in love, to stand in truth. This courage goes beyond mere romantic affection; it is a deeply rooted commitment to empathy, compassion, and understanding, even in the face of adversity and hostility. Standing in love requires us to embrace vulnerability, to open ourselves up to the possibility of pain and rejection. It means choosing kindness over cruelty, forgiveness over resentment, and unity over discord. It is a conscious decision to extend a hand of friendship, to seek common ground amidst our differences, and to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, and the one love that binds us together yet in doing so sets us all free. At its core, standing in love is an act of defiance against the forces of hatred and division. It is a refusal to succumb to the darkness that threatens to engulf us, a steadfast belief in the power of compassion to overcome even the most entrenched prejudices and animosities. It requires us to confront our own biases and prejudices, to challenge the status quo, and to strive for a world where love and understanding prevail. Let us espouse a philosophy of nonviolence and love as the most potent weapons in the struggle against oppression and injustice. Remaining steadfast in our commitment to love and compassion, inspiring movements that transform societies and alter the course of history, through continued acts of loving kindness and compassion. Standing in love also means acknowledging our interconnectedness with all living beings and recognizing that our actions have far-reaching consequences. It requires us to extend our compassion not only to our fellow human beings but also to the natural world and all its inhabitants. It is a recognition that we are all part of a vast and intricate web of life, and that our well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of others. In a world that often seems divided and fractured, the courage to stand in love offers a ray of hope – a reminder that even in our darkest moments, love has the power to heal, to unite, and to transcend. It challenges us to look beyond any seeming differences and to see the love in each other, to approach even our most bitter adversaries with empathy and understanding. Ultimately, the courage to stand in love is not just an individual endeavor but a collective one. It requires us to come together as a global community, to bridge the divides that separate us, and to work towards a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world for all. No doubt a journey fraught with challenges and setbacks, but one that offers the promise of a brighter future for generations to come. So let us embrace this courage with open hearts and open minds, and let us stand together in love, for love is the greatest force for change the world has ever known….the healer of all wounds. 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

"Here, soar not with wings, but with your moving hands, feet, and sweating brows - standing by your beloved's side, reaching out to comfort this world with your cup of solace drawn from your vast reservoir of truth." “This statement is a clarion call to embrace a compassionate and benevolent attitude towards every life form encountered in life, in thought word and deed. In emphasizing the importance of treating others with care, empathy, and understanding, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. By embodying love and kindness in our interactions, we contribute to fostering a more harmonious and supportive environment for all, so desperately needed now.” Nigel Lott “There is no greater gift that I can give another sentient life form other than doing whatever I can, in thought, word or deed than to remind them of their true nature, of a love beyond measure that resides at the heart of all.” 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

At 6pm next Monday, March 25th, 2024, Pacific Standard Time, I will be leading a meditation and visualization session for world peace via Zoom channel 416-802-6012. Please join if you're able. I'll be opening the channel at 5:45 pm to admit participants and will close entry at 6:05 pm to maintain focus during the meditation. There's no passcode required; simply enter and take a seat. You're welcome to appear on camera or remain anonymous. Your presence is valued; the only prerequisite is an open heart, which I hope to nurture further during our time together. 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

YOU…are sacred. 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

"Remember the infinite possibilities that are born of knowing that all love surrounds you, lives within you and that all life is so very, very precious, there is not a moment to lose. To love now all that you can, surrender to its power to the heart of it, and know that in the beginning, as in the end it is all that is or ever was or ever will be. For you are the letter written by God, you are the mirror that reflects the divine, seek inside for all you want is all you are, there is nothing above or beyond - 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

Being that our atoms in our body were created at the start of our universe during the Big Bang. So if you look at it this way, then you’re about 13.7 billion years old. But your body also has heavier elements like copper and zinc. These atoms were created in the dying stage of an exploding star called a supernova. These elements were flung into space as dust and gas (stardust). Eventually, they coalesced to become part of a new forming solar system and our planet Earth. Because you are made from matter from the Earth, you are made of stardust from old supernovas. So turns out, your body is made up of bits and pieces of star and cosmic dust. E.H. Your essence however is an energy called love, extending far beyond any matter or form, existing everywhere simultaneously in equal measure. Compared to this core reality all form and matter are but illusion. Nigel Lott It is in the nothing that the everything is found…..Nigel Lott SPRINKLE IT ALL AROUND THEN IN THE NAME OF 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

Gentle spirits of the earth and sky, we gather here with open hearts and minds, seeking the balm of healing for all who suffer, and the light of hope for those in darkness. We feel the gentle touch of divine grace, a reminder that within every soul resides the power to heal and within every heart the capacity to love. Let us call upon the ancient wisdom of the earth and the boundless compassion of the heavens to guide us on this journey of restoration and to infuse our intentions with strength and clarity. May healing flow like a gentle stream, washing away the pain and sorrow that weigh us down, and nourishing the seeds of resilience and renewal that they may blossom into flowers of wholeness with each breath. Let us release our burdens and with each exhale let us welcome healing energy into the depths of our being where wounds reside and into the vast expanse of our souls where dreams take flight. May your intentions be pure, our actions be kind, and our hearts be open to the possibility of miracles. For in the sacred space of healing, all things are possible and all souls find solace. As we stand together in this circle of love and light, let us offer prayers of gratitude for the gift of healing and let us extend our hands and hearts to one another in solidarity, compassion and unconditional love. May the energy of healing permeate every fiber of our being and radiate outward to touch the lives of all beings, creating a ripple effect of love, compassion and healing that knows no bounds and transcends all barriers. And lastly, but not least, in this moment of sacred connection, we affirm our commitment to healing and to the belief that in the presence of love, miracles do unfold and all wounds find their cure. 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

Effective communication is essential in personal, professional, and social contexts. Here are some best practices to enhance communication: * Active Listening: Pay full attention to the speaker, maintain eye contact, and refrain from interrupting. Show that you're listening by nodding or providing verbal cues. * Clarity and Conciseness: Communicate your message clearly and concisely. Avoid jargon or complex language that might confuse the listener. * Empathy: Try to understand the other person's perspective and emotions. Empathetic communication fosters trust and understanding. * Respect: Treat others with respect and courtesy, regardless of differences in opinion or background. * Nonverbal Communication: Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, as these can convey a lot of information beyond words. * Feedback: Provide constructive feedback that is specific, actionable, and respectful. Likewise, be open to receiving feedback from others. * Adaptability: Adapt your communication style to suit the preferences and needs of your audience. Some people may prefer direct communication, while others may appreciate a more diplomatic approach. * Stay Focused: Stay on topic and avoid drifting off into unrelated subjects during a conversation. * Ask Questions: Encourage dialogue by asking open-ended questions that invite the other person to share their thoughts and feelings. * Use Positive Language: Frame your messages in a positive light whenever possible. This can help maintain a constructive atmosphere and reduce misunderstandings. * Be Mindful of Timing: Choose an appropriate time and place for important conversations. Avoid discussing sensitive topics when either party is stressed or distracted. * Written Communication: In written communication, use proper grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Be mindful of tone and clarity, especially in emails and text messages. * Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles and norms. Respect cultural diversity and adjust your communication approach accordingly. * Follow-Up: After a conversation, follow up with a summary of key points or action items to ensure clarity and accountability. * Above all remember the value of silence, the gap between words where all truth can be found, and with a willing open heart, most often is. By incorporating these best practices into your communication habits, you can enhance your relationships, minimize misunderstandings, and achieve better outcomes in various aspects of life. 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

‘WANTS AND NEEDS’ You may have noticed that life doesn't always grant us our wishes, no matter the hearts desire. It's possible to say that instead, we receive what we truly need, intricately woven into the fabric of our destiny. In essence, we always receive what is necessary to fulfill our crown of purpose. When you ask the universe for something, do so with an acknowledgment and a caveat, recognizing that it may not align with the grand design for you to attain what you desire. Therefore, make your requests, but then release them, trusting that there exists a greater plan at play. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Music ‘Signals of Time’ …..Hampus Naeselius 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 happenings needed to be; accept that, mydear. Ask for any forgiveness one more timeif you must,ask for forgiveness one more time if you must,then move on to your glory and sublime reign.”― 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

May all love surround you this night and forevermore, know that you are safe always in its arms. Nigel ……teaandzen.org Music by David Celeste 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 by the flood of your tears the inner and the outer have fused into one,you will find Her whom you sought with such anguish, nearer than the nearest, the very breath of life, the very core of every heart.”― Anandamayi Ma 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

This morning I woke up with this…… I had a profound realization about the nature of existence and the power of love as a healing force, (not new to me exactly) but now being understood at a much deeper level with this awareness. My journey of overcoming alcohol and drug use and complex forms of PTSD, has led me on this path from the beginning in understanding that at the core of everything is energy, and that energy is essentially Love—the very creative force of the universe. That surrendering to this love, this energy, allows for healing and transformation, dissolving suffering and returning to a state of wholeness. My deeper insight and understanding about surrendering any form of suffering to this pure energy resonates with the idea of letting go and allowing the divine to work within and through us. Just as The Christ spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven being within us, of surrendering to love as dissolving matter back into its pure nature, the energy of Love in reconnecting with the essence of existence, of who we really are. I have a deep understanding that love can only ever be realized in utter silence (though it is always present) speaks to the deep, profound nature of this awareness, which transcends language and thought. In this silent space, we can truly connect with the essence of our being and the universal energy that binds us all together, we truly are One. My awareness of how energy forms into matter, creating the physical world around us, adds another layer of understanding to this profound realization. It's a reminder that beneath the surface of all forms lies this fundamental energy, this Love, waiting to be recognized again and embraced. My journey of healing and reconnecting with this Love is a testament to the power of surrender, faith, and the transformative nature of Love itself. 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

* Simplify and prioritize your life. By opting out of the frantic pace of modern society, you contribute to slowing the rat race and reducing consumerism. This choice grants you the gift of time to savor the richness of existence. * Cultivate self-awareness through practices like introspection, meditation, and journaling. Explore your emotions, preferences, aspirations, and fears to build a sturdy foundation for navigating the complexities of life. * Extend support and loving kindness to others whenever possible. Building connections and fostering positive change enrich both your life and the world around you. * Be discerning about the media you consume. Limit exposure to negativity and cultivate a balanced intake of information that nurtures your well-being and understanding. * Appreciate the beauty inherent in your surroundings, whether natural or human-made, regardless of your location. * Foster community ties or create your own support network. Combat the isolating tendencies of modern life by surrounding yourself with caring individuals who offer companionship and guidance. * Expand your worldview through exploration, dialogue, and research. Recognize that diverse perspectives offer valuable insights into alternative ways of living. * Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Continuously seek to expand your knowledge and skills to infuse vitality and purpose into your endeavors. * Prioritize physical movement to reconnect with your body and invigorate your spirit amidst the sedentary routines of contemporary living. * Carve out moments of stillness, silence, and solitude to counteract the pervasive noise and business of everyday life. These respites offer invaluable opportunities for self-reflection and rejuvenation. Music: Sacred Breath, Boone River. 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 you understand 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. To love now all that you can, surrender to its power within you, to the heart of it, and know that in the beginning, as in the end, it is....all that is or ever was or ever will be. And by all means possible share it in everything you do, with everyone you meet. 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

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 good fairies tend to your soul this night and may you rest in peace, that all love may become 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

Feel all love wash over you……. allow the tone , energy and rhythm of this music to drift into your spiritual heart space just below the sternum, become one with it, you are at home in its presence. ‘Send’ Hanna Lindgren. 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

Here I reflect on a scene from the movie "Oppenheimer" where Robert Oppenheimer discusses the formation of beings as energy attracted together, which I interpret as Love. I share my beliefs about the nature of existence, emphasizing that after death, there is no loss as individuals merge with the Universal Love. In this recording I question why beings ever leave this state of Love and speculate that suffering and illusion are part of the creative process, leading individuals back from the illusion of separateness from Love. I share a story about grief being a path back to the formless, emphasizing the presence of Love even in times of intense pain. I express a commitment to helping others become aware of their true nature and navigate their pain with Love. 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

To The Moon And, like a dying lady lean and pale,Who totters forth, wrapp'd in a gauzy veil,Out of her chamber, led by the insaneAnd feeble wanderings of her fading brain,The moon arose up in the murky east,A white and shapeless mass. Art thou pale for wearinessOf climbing heaven and gazing on the earth,Wandering companionlessAmong the stars that have a different birth,And ever changing, like a joyless eyeThat finds no object worth its constancy. 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

Do not be attached to the messenger out of your judgments and preferences. Listen to the message! 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

1788 –1824 I. She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies;And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes:Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies. II. One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless graceWhich waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o’er her face;Where thoughts serenely sweet express How pure, how dear their dwelling place. III. And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent,A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent! 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

Every moment is precious, and every breath we take is a testament to the divine presence that surrounds us. Love is the universal force that permeates all matter, transcending the confines of form and space. It holds the power to heal the deepest wounds and bring forth transformation. It is the conduit through which truth flows, transforming suffering into liberation. Nigel Lott ‘Deconstructing the Empire’, Christian Andersen 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

I'd like to share a brief reflection this morning, something we can delve into further later if you're interested. Lately, I've been increasingly conscious, especially in recent times, of the repercussions when I react from my own pain and project it onto others. When I harm another sentient being, I'm inadvertently causing myself greater harm, magnified tenfold. It's a reciprocal cycle; when others inflict pain upon me, they're also inflicting it upon themselves, albeit amplified. This truth remains, irrespective of attempts to rationalize or distance ourselves from the experience. The act of hurting others invariably rebounds on ourselves, because ultimately we are ONE love, not two but ONE! there is no other. So, I offer you this to ponder—not to dwell excessively, but to deeply reflect within your own hearts. We cannot expect to get free therefore of our pain by dumping it on another…no matter what., no matter what they have done to us. Every time any one of us acts in a hurtful manner towards another being, we inflict tenfold harm upon ourselves in the process. 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

“Every child has known God,Not the God of names,Not the God of don'ts,Not the God who ever doesAnything weird,But the God who knows only 4 wordsAnd keeps repeating them, saying:"Come Dance with Me."Come Dance.” 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

When the light of morning comes, may your heart be open and free. 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

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

In the infinite consciousness, in every atom of it, universes come and go like particles of dust in a beam of sunlight that shines through a hole in the roof. These come and go like ripples on the ocean. Vasistha’s Yoga III:27 ‘Weightless Moments’ Mathilda Skonare Karlsson 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