TEA AND ZEN - THREADS

I lay my head to rest,and in doing so,lay at your feetthe faces I have seen,the voices I have heard,the words I have spoken,the hands I have shaken,the service I have given,the joys I have shared,the sorrows revealed,I lay them at your feet,and in doing solay my head to rest 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 I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness. I would almost say that they save me, and daily. I am so distant from the hope of myself, in which I have goodness, and discernment, and never hurry through the world but walk slowly, and bow often. Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.” The light flows from their branches. And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.” Bless your heart. 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

This is a note to self coming out of an experience this morning that reminds me again that it is important to know one's truth, to know one's truth deep enough that there is no need to convince any other of it, of our truth, and we do that by developing, deepening our connection with the love within us. You want to call it God the divine, the beloved. I like the words love and divine essence because for me, both of those, they're one and the same. And all truth is found there. So, to know your own truth deep enough within you that you have no need to convince others of it. 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

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

Whatever is most sacred in our heart once is forever held there. once sacred, forever sacred, master that you are of your own soul. Love is the one and only thing that transcends dimensions of time and space. It is the only thing that permeates all matter, all form, and the absence of any form or matter. It is simply on every breath we take and it is there when breath we take no more. 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. 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 energy that is the fundamental baseline, that underpins all quantum theory, quantum physics and quantum mechanics et cetera, is none other than LOVE or DIVINE ESSENCE, one and the same. It is the creative force of the universe, absolute reality. That when surrendered to all suffering is found to cease, such is the alchemy of transcendence. “It is in the nothingness that the everything is found.” 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 have the strength and courage to be a haven for others, that when they are in our presence they feel perfectly safe in opening their hearts to love and the truth found 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

The “Old Magic Shop" is a mysterious place filled with curiosities, enchanting artifacts, and the scent of aged parchment. It is a hidden gem in a town, somewhere in time where the shelves are lined with spellbooks, potions, and strange trinkets. Its is heavy with dust, the shopkeeper is a wise old being, with twinkling eyes and stories to tell, guiding visitors to discover their joy, their hidden potential by letting go of the past and coming fully into the present moment and the love it bears. 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 have seen your own beauty. You have seen your golden wings. Of anything less, why do you worry? You are in truth the soul, of the soul, of the soul.” 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

Arrogance often masks deeper emotional struggles, including fear and grief. Those who present themselves with an air of superiority may be attempting to shield themselves from vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface. At its core, arrogance can stem from insecurity. Individuals may boast or belittle others as a defense mechanism, driven by the fear of inadequacy. This bravado serves to create a façade of confidence, but it often reveals a deep-seated anxiety about being unworthy or unaccepted, of being unlovable. 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

Run my dear from anything that may not strengthen your precious budding wings. Run like hell my dear, from anyone likely to put a sharp knife into the sacred, tender vision of your beautiful heart. For we have not come here to take prisoners or to confine our wondrous spirits. 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

I have been to every continent on this planet, many major cities, and sat with so many people in this life of mine, and all I ever heard despite the barriers people had built up around themselves, was the profound desire to know peace, to be loved and to love…….just that. To recognize the unity of what it is to be human beyond all forms of separation and its suffering. To follow that ache and yearning for love to its final conclusion of oneness with all that is, that lay at the heart of every living soul it seems that I ever met, and to follow it in peace, to feel safe and secure, that only love, absolute reality can provide. May we all be at peace…it is after all…..our birthright. 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

WeAre notIn pursuit of formalitiesOr fake religiousLaws, For through the stairway of existenceWe have come to God’sDoor. We arePeople who need to love, becauseLove is the soul’s life, Love is simply creation’s greatest joy. ThroughThe stairway of existence,O, through the stairway of existence, HaveYou now come,Have we all now come toThe Beloved’sDoor. Hafiz What holds significance for me, based on my personal beliefs, is that the journey towards connecting with a love beyond measure is incredibly close, just a fleeting moment away at any given time, a blink of any eye. The path is inherent within each of us, much like the door that leads to this connection, one with what is. The notion of a stairway and a door is, in essence, a construct of our own minds, influenced by our egocentric selves. However, in ultimate reality, we have always been united with whatever lies beyond that door. In all truth, there is no literal stairway or door; it’s a realization that can emerge in a singular moment, transcending such physical representations, whenever you are ready to do so, to surrender and transcend into the arms of the beloved. 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 boundless possibilities that emerge from understanding that love envelops you, resides within you, and that every moment of life is profoundly precious—there is no time to waste. Embrace love fully now, surrendering to its essence and power, for it is at the core of all existence. Infinite in nature, love is the eternal truth—unchanging and all-encompassing. You are a divine message, a mirror reflecting the sacred, so seek within yourself, for everything you desire is already a part of who you are. There is nothing beyond or above this divine truth. 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

"In serving the heart of another, we serve the heart within us and, the one love that connects us all...simply nothing therefore is left undone." 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

Love wants to reach out and manhandle us,Break all our teacup talk of God. If you had the courage andCould give the Beloved His choice, some nights,He would just drag you around the roomBy your hair,Ripping from your grip all those toys in the worldThat bring you no joy. Love sometimes gets tired of speaking sweetlyAnd wants to rip to shredsAll your erroneous notions of truth That make you fight within yourself, dear one,And with others, Causing the world to weepOn too many fine days. God wants to manhandle us,Lock us inside of a tiny room with HimselfAnd practice His dropkick. The Beloved sometimes wantsTo do us a great favor: Hold us upside downAnd shake all the nonsense out. But when we hearHe is in such a “playful drunken mood” Most everyone I knowQuickly packs their bags and hightails itOut of town. 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

The belief that we can control the outcome of events or influence any person, place, or thing is ultimately an illusion. Life’s intricate complexity, the randomness of chance, and our place within the grand tapestry of the universe mean that outcomes are always beyond our direct control. We do have preferences, and our emotional responses—joy, anger, fear, grief—are shaped by how outcomes align with these preferences. In other words, we have been conditioned to base our happiness or sadness on how things turn out in relation to our desires. However! The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that the The Great Way to spiritual realization becomes clear for those who transcend personal preferences. Yet the moment we create distinctions, the gap between heaven and earth is set infinitely apart. Therefore, pursue your intentions with dedication and passion toward a noble cause. Yet, remember that while we can exert effort with all our hearts, the ultimate outcomes remain beyond our control. Destiny unfolds as it will. 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

Here are a few short poems by Rumi that for me have deep meaning. Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, 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 other doesn't make any sense. Whoever finds love beneath hurt and grief disappears into emptiness with a thousand new disguises. Things are such that someone lifting a cup or watching the rain, petting a dog or singing, just singing, could be doing as much for this universe as anyone. This moment, this love comes to rest in me. Many beings in one being, in one wheat grain, a thousand sheaf stacks. Inside the needle's eye, a turning night of stars, this moment, this 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

May the sun bring you new energy by day. May the moon softly restore you by night. And may the rain wash away your worries. May the breeze blow new strength into your being. May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty. All the days of your 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

One day the sun admitted I am just a shadow I wish I could show you the infinite incandescence that has cast my brilliant image. I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being. I'm happy even before I have a reason. I'm full of light even before the sky. I can greet the sun or the moon. Dear companions, we have been in love with God for so very, very long. What can we do now but forever dance? I have a thousand brilliant lies for the question. How are you? I have a thousand brilliant lies for the question, what is God? If you think that the truth can be known from words, if you think that the sun and the ocean can pass through that tiny opening called the mouth, oh, someone should start laughing 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

There are countless species and life forms on this planet that surpass us in emotional intelligence and heart wisdom. We have much to learn from them, and by observing and listening, may we find ourselves deeply humbled by their presence. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org 501 (C) 3 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

We must come to understand and accept that the love found in the heart and soul of one person is the same love present in every other person, as well as in all forms of life made manifest. There is no other reality. We are all interconnected, we are one and the same. No matter how hard we might try to distance ourselves from this love, each other. it remains a constant truth. In reality, there isn't a breath that truly separates us. Embrace this understanding and act in accordance with it. 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

It takes great deal of courage to speak your truth, but how else can you set yourself free other than to be congruent with your own heart, and the love found 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

May all love surround you, May the light of peace shine brightly upon you, guiding your steps and nurturing your heart. May you find tranquility in each moment and grace in every challenge. 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

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