Ingrid Goff-Maidoff
From the category archives:
There is a lotus on our fishpond. In the morning, it opens its petals to drink in the sun. In the evening, it folds its petals in again, like hands in prayer.
This has helped me to consider the naturalness of my own rythms- how I open my petals sometimes, and how I fold them in when it is time to rest.
{ 1 comment }
My daughter Rose and I visited Mount Holyoke College this weekend. She’ll be studying there in the Fall. The campus felt in full bloom with Magnolias and Spring plantings. We had a wonderful time, though I did have the occasional flashback to the first day of daycare; the first day of kindergarten… and how I had cried all the way home each time after dropping her off. Where does the time go?
On another note, I am happily compiling two new collections of inspirational quotations. The first is for a new box I am calling Bliss Boxes, and the second is a re-design of my 100 Fortunes. I’ve decided that I would like them to contain wisdom from throughout time- short passages and proverbs- memorable words. If you have any favorite wisdom passages, or quotations that invoke bliss, I would love to have them. If I use a suggestion, I will send you a finished box as a gift.
{ 6 comments }
Creating these new cards has brought so much color and light and cheer into my winter months. It has been a total joy. I’m in love with glitter- with the texture and depth it lends to the overall gift of the card. There are Eight in all so far. I think you’ll love them- to keep or to send.
{ 0 comments }
Let us live most happily, possessing nothing;
Let us feed on joy,
like the radiant gods.
~Buddha
Imagine how the earth would sigh with pleasure if everyone took a day or more off every week to refrain from driving, striving, shopping, producing and consuming. Imagine if we simplified our desires, practiced radiant idleness and the joys of roaming free. What if we loafed, rested, napped and dreamed, gardened, played, went for long walks, made love, sewed buttons, and cooked? Imagine the peace if we got creative with our ingredients instead of heading, out of habit, to the store.
It would be a beginning- a small step for mankind- toward a more peaceful, sustainable and joyful world, wouldn’t it? Does the thought excite your heart, sending shivers up your spine?
Once you see through transience and illusion
the joys of roaming free are wonderful indeed.
~Han Shan
Be content with what you have.
Rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize
there is nothing lacking,
The whole world belongs to you.
~Lao Tzu
The Freedom Of Joy passages excerpted from THE JOY BOOK by Ingrid Goff-Maidoff
Pictures taken last night at Great Rock Bite… someone left beautiful sand sculptures- a castle, and a frog.
{ 4 comments }
Hello Friends, I feel the need for a chatty catch-up… and the need for a sacred pause, for stillness. I’ll share some of my activities here… and then post a sacred pause. In fact, I think I’ll lean toward such posts as the summer frenzy begins. Because, as usual, I don’t want this blog to be about me as much as about all of us.
My sister and I visited with our good friend Wendy in Maine last week. We’ve known each other since high school. It was amazing how silly we all still are together… And how deep that connection, friendship, love still feels…amidst children, marriages, and long lengths of time between visits. I feel blessed.
One delicious ingredient of summer, for me, is to see my wares all set up at the Artisan’s Fairs here on Martha’s Vineyard, and to meet new people and catch up with old friends. This also means the beginning of frenzy for me. As much as I try to prepare ahead all winter, I still seem to generate huge lists of what I hope to produce 
in between shows. Pictured here is one quarter of my display…
The weather has been mostly unsunny here these days…. But still, it’s beautiful… Ok. Enough chat! xo, ing
{ 2 comments }
Here’s a shy invitation…! Dan Waters is hosting poets who write songs at Che’s Lounge on Wednesday night. (June 17th 7:30) I’m in the line-up, along with Dan, Justen Ahren, Richard Skidmore, and Michael West. In spite of my past life as a singer/songwriter, I haven’t sung out in at least five years- or written a song. I almost thought that door was closed - until last week, when three songs came knocking. If you’re looking for evening entertainment, come by! Che’s is all fixed up, with a beautiful garden, a fountain, new coffee, tea and treats.
{ 3 comments }
On A Portrait Of Hotai, God of Good Fortune
How much I desire!
Inside my little satchel,
the moon and flowers.
Translated by Sam Hamill,
Narrow Road to the Interior
I just came across this haiku by Basho- such a delight. I love to imagine opening that satchel and having the moon and flowers spilling out.
In case you are reading this blog from top to bottom (I know I do!) the poems below this are reflections on the road of my interior, the odd poet who lives within me, and some of the contents of my own gathering bag…
{ 0 comments }
I’ve just signed up for an online course on my favorite subject: AWAKENING JOY. It’s a ten month long experiential class. The course goal is to awaken joy through monthly principles and practices that incline the mind toward well-being, happiness and joy.
Awakening Joy is designed and run by James Baraz, who’s taught meditation courses, retreats and classes throughout the US and abroad for many years. Along with twice monthly practice guides James sends to you by email, you also get the live classes as video and audio downloads. Each month covers a different happiness theme, including gratitude, mindfulness, self-love, compassion, integrity and values, letting go, handling the “tough stuff,” and intention. James gives wonderful information and powerful monthly practices.
The principles of the course are universal, although much of the material includes Buddhist philosophy drawn from the James Baraz’s 30 years as a Buddhist meditation teacher. I’ve offered to facilitate or co-facilitate a Joy group on Martha’s Vineyard, if anyone is interested in taking the class and joining us.
There is a suggested amount for tuition, but if you are on a fixed income you can also set your own that feels comfortable for you.
CLICK HERE for a link to the Awakening Joy course, and also for wonderful links to articles written by James Baraz, lectures,and more.
{ 0 comments }
