Changing Like the Weather

The first noble truth says simply that it's part of being human to feel discomfort. We don't even have to call it suffering anymore; we don't even have to call it discomfort. It's simply coming to know the fireyness of fire, the wildness of wind, the turbulence of water, the upheaval of earth, as well as the warmth of fire, the coolness and smoothness of water, the gentleness of the breezes, and the goodness, solidness, and dependability of the earth. Nothing in its essence is one way or the other. The four elements take on different qualities; they're like magicians. Sometimes they manifest in one form and sometimes in another.... The first noble truth recognizes that we also change like the weather, we ebb and flow like the tides, we wax and wane like the moon.

--Pema Chodron, Awakening Loving-Kindness

James: Change is a great check and balance to the unbridled ego. And more importantly without change this beautiful life would not be possible. It is important to see change as a friend and not an enemy. Too often I curse change and see it as an obstacle rather then a Great Teacher and guide along the path.

Every element in existence and non-existence is within this body labeled by some as "James." The truth that I am apart of a large web of inter-being gives me great peace realizing that I'm not alone no matter how alone I might feel at the time. I'm am just one spoke in the wheel of a great vehicle (in fact Mahayana translates roughly to "the greater vehicle") that no one started, can name, label or end and being a small yet not insignificant part of that brings great understanding and grounding of what life is about. The Great Project. It gives one profound peace knowing that the Universe is unfolding as it should. There is nothing to do or undo. Things are going to go the way they are going to go and there is frankly not much that we can control. I like being apart of something that is bigger then my whiny ego.

It is very comforting to sit and breath just like the Buddha some 2500 years ago. It is humbling and empowering to know that even the Great Shakyamuni is just another cog in the wheel. It shows just how much we are all in this together. It says a lot about the Buddha that he faced his awesome nature, potential and mission in this life (and others) and knew not to grab hold of that importance and make it his own and say things begin and end with him. Many others who have developed a similar energy have sadly chosen the way of self importance over the many.

How rare an energy (and great gift to all beings) in the Buddha to have realized the Ultimate and given it away to everyone that all might be that bliss.

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha

~Peace to all beings~

Denver Bronco Football Player Darrent Williams Shot and Killed at 24

DENVER - Less than 24 hours after playing in the last game of the season, the Denver Broncos say 24-year-old Darrent Williams was killed.

According to Denver Police, Williams was killed in an early morning shooting after someone with a gun pulled up alongside the white Hummer stretch limousine he and wide receiver Javon Walker were riding in and fired multiple shots.

Three people were shot and police say the limo was sprayed with bullets. At the scene, 9NEWS could see what appeared to be ten bullet holes in the limo.

Authorities say they believe the shooting was a drive-by, and that the shooter or shooters did not know who was in the vehicle. Police say the shots were fired with a semi-automatic weapon.

James: Murder is the ultimate act of selfishness, pride and fear. My feelings echo Coach Shanahan's when he stated, I am speachless with sadness. Darrent Williams was a fan (and personal) favorite who had a happy, infectious smile and twinkling eyes. He played with passion for the game and yet was a gentleman on and off the field. I pray to Avalokiteshvara that compassion will be the constant companion to the Williams family as they grieve. Colorado and the city of Denver love their Broncos and see the players as extended family. Our collective hearts ache, cry and hurt over this senseless act of violence.


Killing a fellow sentient being only takes a moment but the repercussions last for lifetimes. These killers will pay dearly for their horrific actions and it will be their own actions that will demand and ultimately receive that justice. We can not avoid our actions any more then we can avoid our shadows. The pain and suffering that the family, friends and fans are feeling right now is nothing compared to the pain, suffering and misery that the murderers will experience for who knows how many lifetimes. My heart aches for the killers too for they have wasted many lives and lifetimes.

Nobody wins when violence erupts and the ripples of such wasteful actions touch many in our interconnected reality. And in a way we all have a responsibility for this killing since it is our collective consciousness that allows the seeds of violence in society to ripen and take their deadly toll.

May we all be more mindful of our actions that we might not water the seeds of anger and violence in ourselves, others and in our greater world. May we also be more mindful of karma for we do not live or act in a vaccuum.


We will greatly miss your energy Darrent but we know that your larger then life energy will be reborn and hopefully as a Buddha.

PHOTO: I picked this photo to show William's lighter side. He wore this hairstyle for a few games that he named a "Frohawk."

~Peace to all beings~