buddhism

"Spirituality is completely ordinary. Though we might speak of it as extraordinary, it is the most ordinary thing of all.

Spirituality is simply a means of arousing one's spirit, of developing a kind of spiritedness. Through that we begin to have greater contact with reality.

If we open our eyes, if we open our minds, if we open our hearts, we will find that this world is a magical place. It is magical not because it tricks us or changes unexpectedly into something else, but because it can *be* so vividly and brilliantly." ---Chogyam Trungpa

Everyday life is something that we are all mired in, yet few of us appreciate. When was the last time you heard the birds singing outside your window or were aware of the raindrops as they fell from the sky? Have you ever bathed in the moonlight of a warm summer night? Are you ever aware of the miraculous act of breathing?

This book is a joy to read. It has gently led me to the wonders of awareness---"So many of us are leading half-lives, half-heartedly with only half of our minds actively engaged in making contact with the universe around us." Page 148. Each chapter is written by a different person. Some of my favorites are: Natalie Goldberg on writing fearlessly; Allen Ginsberg on meditation and poetics; Ram Dass on the listening mind; Thich Nhat Hanh on sunshine and green leaves.

I very highly recommend this book to anyone who considers themself a seeker in this journey we call life. It will brighten your path and illuminate the way and best of all, open your eyes to the recognition that there is absolutely positively NOTHING ordinary about your daily life!