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Unique Times

Where I share my jewels of wisdom of life

When conditions are sufficient, a cloud transforms into rain, snow, or hail. The cloud has never been born and it will never die. This insight of signlessness and interbeing helps us recognize that all lives continue in different forms. Nothing is created, nothing is destroyed, everything is in transformation.

– Calligraphy by Thich Nhat Hanh

My Godson, Connor, invited me to go to JIKOJI Zen Center on Sunday to meditate and to take part in a poetry reading with the community. An offer I couldn’t refuse; mainly to spend time with him and then the added bonus of a poetry reading.

You may remember I shared that his book, Atomic Flower, was coming out quite a while ago but there were delays in getting it out right away which is the case with everything these days. But it’s finally here and he was bringing me my signed copy which I was so excited about.

We met there since we were coming in separate directions. It took me a little while to find the Zendo but I stumbled on the chef Mark, who was very kind and led me to the room. I spotted my Godson and there was a spot next to him, where I took my seat.

It had a familiar feel as 2 of my dear friends Misha Merrill and Jill Kaplan Ordained Zen Buddhist Priests used to come to my studio with their Sangha and sit and give Dharma talks. They truly were my inspiration for transforming my studio and separating out my workout space from my yoga/meditation room. I turns out, they give a talk every year at JIKOJI. Do visit them if you have time. I love 6 degrees of separation.

Luckily, I was about 20 minutes late since we sat cross legged on the floor for what felt like hours, before the bells rang and we were able to stand for walking meditation. I meditate everyday, but these hips aren’t practiced for much more than 20 minutes, which my body can attest to with it’s creeks and groaning upon standing. The community was very gracious and kind and it was a joy to be around like minded people who share the same values. They made a tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh which was just lovely.

When I announced my sadness that Thich Nhat Hahn had died Saturday night at the dinner table, my family all laughed and said “who in the world is that”? This is when it’s nice to have extended family out of your immediate family, that “get you”.

Everyone was invited to read poetry and a lot of people read Rumi and there were some other beautiful pieces shared. Of course Connor and I assumed they wanted us to read our poetry which we did.

Connor read his poem on page 10 of his book:

Connor Licolli’s Poetry from Atomic Flower

And I read my poem:

Clouds in My Coffee

When will the stars
stop raining crimson,
the moon stop hiding
behind the clouds,
and we stop dividing?

Drown out the white noise,
amp up
our frequency of peace.

When will enough blood be shed
and people
be fed,

instead
of finding
empty shells
on the stree
t.

The aroma of bread baking
invite a growling tummy,
the horn from a distant ship
awakens me
to this moment.

Birds sweet song invites hope,
gushing water
of a nearby pond
cleanses
worry and regret.

I awake to scratchy kisses
and kneading
from my sweet kitty,
warm sheets
and savor these tender moments,
with clouds in my coffee.

I say a prayer for all humanity
and begin my day in hope,
as the sunrises once again,
and my toes touch the earth
and a promise to be the best I can.


The words of Thich Nhat Hanh echo
through the land
as he takes his final sip of tea
and becomes a cloud
for all to drink.

Thank you so much for visiting today.

I’m so excited to do an interview with him on his book, Atomic Flower, on Fri-Yay Funday and I hope you’ll join me to hear more about his incredible book.

Have a blessed Wednesday, until Friday!

Love Always,

💖

Cindy

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Sheereen
1 year ago

Beautiful poem Cindy! Loved it. Hope you have great time interviewing your Godson

Sheereen
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Allll the best

Timothy Price
Timothy Price
1 year ago

Congralulations to Conner on his book. Wonderful poem.

Jane Aguiar
1 year ago

Fabulous poem, Cindy ❤️

Jane Aguiar
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Welcome dear Cindy ❤️

Jane Aguiar
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

❤️❤️

inerro.land
1 year ago

Congratulations to your Godson and what a beautiful poem!
Nice to find you again, dear, I’ve been off for a while 😉😘

inerro.land
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Thank you so much dear 😊😘
I’m back to stay this time, just needed time off to reorganize everything.
The book is doing great and I just started to translate it!
So stay tuned! 😁😘

inerro.land
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Thank you so much dear 😊😘

inerro.land
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

to you too! ❤️

inerro.land
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Miss you too dear! 😘😘

inerro.land
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

yes we are 😊😘😘

Lisa at Micro of the Macro
1 year ago

The earthly plane has lost a kind, gentle soul. What an amazing life he shared with so many. You must be over-the-moon proud of your godson! He’s quite the poet! And I love this poem of yours as well, Cindy. You are both blessed beyond measure! And what a little respite this center must have been! Much love to you, my friend. 🌞

Lisa at Micro of the Macro
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

I am honored that you thought of me while you were there! AND that I could perk up your day! Have a fun weekend, dear one! 🌞

Lisa at Micro of the Macro
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Cool! I can hardly wait to meet you face-to-face! 🌞

Lisa at Micro of the Macro
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Yes, yes! 🌞

Daphny Aqua
1 year ago

Such a lovely time to spend together, the view looks great as well. When you said extended family who gets you, damn how true is that. Lovely and beautiful poems by the way and big congratulations to Corner. 🎉💖

Daphny Aqua
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Looking forward to that.
I hope he does, and I wish him the very best. 💖

Daphny Aqua
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

You’re welcome! Have a great weekend ahead 🤗❤️

gabychops
1 year ago

Wonderful, post !Thank you, Cindy!

Joanna

Aaysid
1 year ago

Both poems are lovely, Cindy! This is such a wholesome post!💕

Aaysid
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

You are very welcome. 😊

trackback
1 year ago

[…] Time with My Godson and a Tribute To Thich Nhat Hahn […]

Ellia
Ellia
1 year ago

Loved this post, poems and honoring of Thich naht Hahn 🙏💗🌟

Curt Mekemson
1 year ago

First, Cindy, I enjoyed your poem and that of your Godson. I have a feeling that Thich Nhat Hanh would have been pleased. I was inspired to read some of his quotes. Given my love of nature, this was one of my favorites:
“You carry Mother Earth with you. She is not outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment. In that insight of inter-being, it is possible to have real communication with the Earth, which is the highest form of prayer.”
Curt

Curt Mekemson
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

💖💖💖… Back at you. 🙂

Curt Mekemson
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

💖💖💖 Back at you Cindy. 🙂

GraceoftheSun
1 year ago

Congratulations to Conor on his book. It must be so cool to interview and share poetry with your god son , fabulous. LOVE both poems, such talent Cindy. Just wonderful.💕

GraceoftheSun
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Always a pleasure 💕

GraceoftheSun
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Absolutely.Love those.💕

Mike U.
1 year ago

Beautiful poetry. You and Connor are true poets in every sense of the word, Cindy. Thanks so much for sharing these poems with is. And kudos to Connor on the publication of his book! It sounds like you had a wonderful experience. 🙂

Ingrid
1 year ago

Beautiful poetry, Cindy, and beautiful times had by all by the sound of it 🥰🙏💕

Infinite Living
1 year ago

What a rich deligtful post Cindy, full of poetry and gratitude for The Great Teacher. Both your poetyr and Connor’s is beautiful and so amzing to read at the Jikoji Center! I did not know they had poetry reading events. I hear you about having ‘family’ outside immediate family who ‘get you’ :))) Congratulations Connor on his book and he is so lucky to have you! Much Love & Joy & Sunshine!

inspirechief
1 year ago

It sounded like you had a wonderful day despite the creaks and groans. I can relate. A beautiful article and poem. 🤗❤️

Phil
1 year ago

As a cloud never dies, so too the mindfulness and meditations of Thich Nhat Hanh, cycling through his collective influence, will continue to transform. I’ve enjoyed both poems in your post, dear Cindy, and thank you for sharing your beautiful words. 🙏🏼☁️🍵

Lamittan Minsah
1 year ago

Wow, my dearest Cindy, I’m so amazed with this. Congrats to your son for his achievement. Thumbs-up for the wonderful reading. I’m so happy to see you smiling and having some fun out, dear. ❤🌷❤

Lamittan Minsah
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Oh, amazing still, my friend Cindy. You two, notwithstanding, have an uncanny resemblace. Your smiles overwhelmingly gladden the heart with the kindness it carries along. O yes, it’s both a thumbs-up and a high five, 😂😂🤗❤

Lamittan Minsah
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

You’re most welcome, dear. 🥰😘

katiemiafrederick
1 year ago

U. N. i. T. Y. Yes!

You iN i Thank Y.O.U.

WhY Owe YoU Yes!

Namaste! As ‘They’ Sing

Dancing Balancing
Change FLoWinG

Free Dear Cindy

FRiEnDS With
Gravity Freer

All Connecting
Yes “Interbeing”

Holding Nature’s
Hands ThiS Way
Inhaling Peace Exhaling
Love For All Giving, Sharing,
Caring, Healing, Freely Without

Restraint

With SMiLes
of Least Harm
For All of Course on Course Practicing Truly
Yes! May All Commune in JoY oF LoVinG LiFE!

And Yes! i Find You And Your Godson’s Poetry
So Inspiring! In A Way oF UNitY iN iNTerBeinG mY FRiEnD..:)

katiemiafrederick
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

SMiles Dear Cindy
Always A Pleasure
To Come By
And Hear
All Your
California
Dreaming

Wisdom

Coming
Into Fruition Free❤️☺️🙌

poeticallyyours360
1 year ago

Such talent and he has an profoundness that speaks volume. I am happy for you and him, to both have something to bring you together that enriches the relationship… This was a joy to read

poeticallyyours360
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

you are very welcome and I appreciate you sharing such joyful moments… It does my own good to hear. and tell him the art of poetry is in good hands with him❤️🤗🙏🏼

thereluctantpoet
1 year ago

Wow! Really loved your poem and post, Cindy – Bellissimo!!! 😊😍💕🌹

Kym Gordon Moore
1 year ago

My goodness Cindy dear, I had to really take this post nice and slow girlfriend. 😊 WOW, what an awesome and profound experience with your grandson. There was so much included in here, that you just couldn’t “breeze” through it you had to “breathe” through it! 🌬 Your poem, as well as, your grandson’s poem was so heartwarming. How exciting! I see that since Thích Nhất Hạnh captured the cloud in his tea, you captured your in your coffee eh? ☕⛅☕ Love your energy and what a sweet tribute to him. 👏🏼🦋👏🏼

Sowmya
1 year ago

Beautiful poem Cindy. Congratulations to your Godson.

Sowmya
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

With pleasure Cindy

yassy
1 year ago

Beautifully written, Cindy. Heartfelt ❤️ thank you for sharing your Godson’s work. This post needs another reading. Maybe more.

yassy
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Can’t wait 💕👍

Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet
1 year ago

An inspiring post, Cindy. Two beautiful poems and lovely photos and video. I look forward to your interview with your godson. <3

~M
~M
1 year ago

Oh I love your poem… what a beautiful tribute. ❤️💫

Suvi K
1 year ago

Hearty congratulations to Conor on his book!! And urs is a very lovely poem ma’am! 💖
Sounds like you’ve spent a fantastic time with ur godson😊

KK
KK
1 year ago

A beautiful poem, as always, Cindy, as also of Connor. Congratulations to him. I’m happy that you had really a great time.

Nancy Richy
1 year ago

So great seeing you and Connor together; it’s obvious you share not only a special bond but a great talent and love of life! Thanks for sharing this slice of your life with us! 💕 🌟 🌹 🧘

boundlessblessingsblog
1 year ago

Excellent poem Cindy. Congratulations to your Godson, Connor and your video is so nice. Inspiring talk by Thich Hath Hahn. He was awesome. I have listened to so many of his videos. Loved his teachings on mindfulness. Great post, Cindy.

boundlessblessingsblog
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Yes he was very inspiring. Always Cindy ❤️ Have a great Friday ♥️♥️♥️♥️

boundlessblessingsblog
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💗💗💗💗🌹🌹🌹

boundlessblessingsblog
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

🙏🏼🙏🏼🌹🌹

boundlessblessingsblog
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Yes. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

boundlessblessingsblog
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Keith
1 year ago

Cindy, you must be so proud. Well done. Keith

Jeff Flesch
1 year ago

Gorgeous poetry, dearest Cindy. It is a beautiful piece, filled with the pain of human beingness, and the light of possibility. ❤️❤️

Jeff Flesch
Reply to  Cindy Georgakas
1 year ago

Aww, thank you so much, my dear. I’m honored. It’s all a reflection of your wonderful poetry! Always welcome. ❤️❤️❤️

Ali Grimshaw
1 year ago

What a celebration of intentional creation through your words and your grandson’s as well. I especially like the last stanza of your poem. I am reflecting these words back to you.

The words of Thich Nhat Hanh echo
through the land
as he takes his final sip of tea
and becomes a cloud
for all to drink.

Peace to you,
Ali

SelmaMartin
1 year ago

“The source of a true smile is an awakened mind. Smiling helps you approach the day with gentleness and understanding. If you have lost your smile and yet are still capable of seeing that a dandelion is keeping it for you, the situation is not too bad. You will have enough mindfulness to see that the smile is there. The dandelion is keeping your smile for you.” Thich Nhat Hahn

These words have always spoken wonders for me. And it pleases me enormously to reenact this in my everyday shenanigans. That’s why I leave smiles (for safekeeping) in different places. Many times too, I give them away to others.
Now I’ll start seeing clouds in my morning coffee. Thanks. This is profound. xoxo

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