Slogan #59

Don't expect applause.

This final slogan asks us to turn inward for recognition and approval instead of searching for external rewards. This means cultivating an “internal locus of control” through self-acceptance and self-compassion. Open to grace with a cupful of forgiveness and a pitcher of patience!

When you’re ready, reach out to touch the earth. Release everything that no longer serves you into the earth. Offer the energy of your egocentricity and entitlement to be held and transformed by the earth. Maintaining a lens of self-compassion, can you experience what is arising right now? Self-compassion will absolutely transform how you experience the world. Why? Because the more you study yourself with compassion, the more kindness you’ll foster, which will bring you closer to your true self. And your true self is the embodiment of ‘so hum;” there is no difference between the energy that you are made of and the energy that I am made of and the energy of the universe and all of creation.

Stretch your hands out to connect to the world—your neighbours, your community, and all living beings. Make a connection, one hand, one heart at a time. Meditation and Lojong training enhance receptivity to the sounds of the universe, like love and compassion, that emanate from the heart center and are created by objects that are "unstruck." Similarly, consider the Zen koan: “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” Or “If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha.” Kill the perfect guru that lives outside of yourself. Don’t give your power away. Transcend the limitations of logical thinking. The sound of one hand clapping is the contact of open hands and open hearts.

Will you take my hand so that we can together clearly see the profound beauty of our interdependence and impermanence? Let’s continue this journey of compassion and love for the rest of our days.

"If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.”

Thich Nhat Hanh