SUNDAY LECTURE | Reality Isn't What It Used To Be

ORDINARY LIFE - Thoughts and Ideas to Help You Live a Happier Life

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Summary for July 26, 2020

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Dear Folks -

The title we gave to Ordinary Life this week was -

Reality Is Not What It Used To Be

This is our shared reflection on the sixth step in the Eightfold Path of Buddhism - Right Effort. It takes courage to “see” and “be with” “what is.” Our understanding of “reality” is constantly shifting. To resist this is life-denying. As part of this talk I read a lengthy editorial that appeared in The Christian Century publication recently. The piece is entitled “Letting Go of White Defensiveness.” Paying attention is so key to life and living and, yet, so difficult to do. It is, however, how we transform suffering into joy. We can find comfort and courage in having faith in our capacity to awaken, in living in ways that lead to freedom and love and in keeping company with those who help us along the path of peace, love and joy. Right effort isn’t a burden. It is the door to freedom.

That is a very brief summary of our time in Ordinary Life this week.

You can find the text we had in front of us, the presentation slides and the audio version of the talk using the links below. The printed text contains much more content that we were able to offer in the live presentation.

Also, be aware that we have instituted a weekly podcast. It is called “In Between.” You can access this through the Ordinary Life website.

If you would like to know how to make a contribution to Ordinary Life, click here for video instructions. 

If you are reading this, I want you to know how grateful I am for and to you.

Be well and much love,

Bill Kerley

In order to read or download the text we had in front of us, click here.

In order to view or download the presentation slides, click here.

In order to listen to or download the audio version of the talk, use the link below.