“Never forget how swiftly this life will be over,
like a flash of summer lightning or the wave of a hand. Now that you have the
opportunity to practice the Dharma, do not waste a single moment on anything
else, but with all your energy and effort practice the Dharma”.
Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
(Graceful Exits: How Great Beings Die, 1997)
It has been a year since
Marcy and Melanie began discussions about The Light Tree and what it might mean
to those interested in following a spiritual path. They met several years
earlier while attending regular meditation practice with Julia Day and a host
of Mighty Companions such as Tomas Vieira, Nouk Sanchez, Gary Renard, Sarah
Pilkington and David Hoffmeister.
Their common desire was to
explore how they might ‘heal their minds’ of illusory thoughts, beliefs and
desires. They wanted to inquire into the nature of all beliefs that were
obstacles to the awareness of Love’s Presence so they might experience the
peace of their True Nature. Their guiding principles came from A Course
In Miracles but are deeply grounded in the teachings of Buddha, Jesus, Adyashanti,
Gangaji, Pema Chodron, Paul Ferrini, Cynthia Bourgeault and a host of philosophers,
writers and teachers, both ancient and modern.
In the fall of 2011 they
were joined by Christine, a talented art therapist and graphic recorder, and
Annie, art historian and cranio-sacral therapist. They brought a deep creative
and intellectual knowledge to the Light Tree that enriched and broadened its
perspective.
All four women represent a
variety of experiences, from pregnancy to grandparenthood, from the
professional world, to life with a chronic illness. All hold at least one university
degree and bring academic as well as spiritually guided rigour to their
inquiry. Most importantly, they all share the common experience of parenthood
and have found that children are among our greatest teachers.
Direct experience of
spiritual guidance is the hallmark of Light Tree; they have learned to ‘Rest in
God’ and allow their weekly gatherings to unfold spontaneously. This allows for
a deepening trust in guidance as spirit flows through them with its miraculous
wisdom. They bring their daily life experiences into the sphere of pure
non-judgment and delight in the insights that arise between them.
The deep love and respect
they hold for each other can only have come to fruition through an agreement
between their souls. None of them has ever emerged as group leader or
facilitator and all share their talents and insights equally. They regard the
inevitable posturing of their ego with benign good humour and give eternal
thanks that they have the opportunity to practice together.
A key portion of each weekly
gathering is spent in silent meditation following discussion of recent books,
articles, Facebook posts and other group experiences. Direct experience of
spiritual guidance and total commitment to love, their True Nature, guides them
to record their insights while living in a contemporary world. This blog is
their testament to living the Truth while they awaken on their journey to the
pure essence of One-ness where all sentient beings reside.