Just Breathe...

A few words inspired by the shirt I was wearing today…

Just Breathe...

I breathe in and I smile at the goodness I see in everyday people everyday,

I breathe out and I cry at the effects our money-based economic system is producing.

I inhale and sorrow overwhelms me, I question, How can people be living in this age of technological know-how, without the basics of food, water and shelter?

I exhale and feel the joy from watching selfless people helping others out of pure empathy and compassion.

I draw a breath in and touch the happiness, as a growing number of individuals support ‘green’ ‘sustainable’ ‘life loving’ movements.

I expel my breath out and I weep as I see others own thoughts creating suffering for themselves and those around them.

I breathe in and I smile realizing all beings have the potential of attaining liberation.

I breathe out and I continue smiling realizing more and more brothers and sisters are awakening.

I just breathe and I continue smiling.

My Sisters Wedding

The following is the poem I wrote and read for my sister Jodie (The Chookster) and Stevie (Wonder) Whites wedding...it was a perfect laid back ceremony and reception, held on the beaches around South Cronulla in NSW, Australia...Jan 23, 2009

Loving each other…
a poem for my sister and my new brother

Rarely do things match perfectly
In this amazing existence we call life,
But right here is a couple perfectly suited
for the label of Husband and Wife.

Together be proud of your own example
That is “Loving each other no matter what”
And proud too of your effect on others
As sometimes it’s this that we’ve forgot.

There’s no doubt you can begin this marriage
With your heads held high
As your relationship has already,
Set limits nearing the sky.

Two totally devoted hearts
Covering the span of 11 years,
And a beautiful bouncing boy Toby
Who fills all with laughter and joyous tears.

I wish for you both the deepest of happiness
As you head off on your married starts,
And as a brotherly reminder
Look for it no further…than within your own…pure hearts.

Lots and lots of love
And huge hugs and kisses,
For my new brother, Steve and my sister Jodie
His very soon to be Mrs.

My Tash's Wedding

The following is the poem I wrote and read at my great friend Tash's wedding, in Australia on the New South Wales south coast...a truly beautiful ceremony held over looking the crystal clear waters of Merimbula Point on Dec 6, 2009

Tash & Lucan…Silent Smiles

Silent smiles come about from inner-peace,
happiness and contentment.
When things are as they should be,
Nothing out of place, nothing wrong, no resentment.

Silent smiles are all around us, in the elements of
Water, Fire, Earth and Air
These things are as they should be,
You can add to that, Tash and Lucan, the newly married pair.

Silent smiles are on the faces
of the grains of sand on Whitehaven Beach,
For the neighbouring island of Hayman has produced
A coming together, an engagement and now a wedding speech.

Enjoy this forever-changing journey,
together as husband and wife,
And I’ll be silently smiling, knowing
Things are as they should be
In this beautiful existence, we call life.

I wish you a long, happy and healthy walk of wedded miles,
Things are as they should be,
And now it’s time
for silent smiles =)

My Nan's Funeral

The following is a poem that I wrote and read for my grandmother Ruth's funeral in 2004. She was a kind, gentle and loving grandmother to me, my brother and my sister...a true superhero...Supernan =)

Ruth Walker
26.9.1927 - 7.6.2004

Supernan

It is but a short time
That we breathe here on Earth
However what is done with those breaths
Can affect many...birth after birth.

Simple pleasures...
Family, crosswords, friends and food
Enjoying such simple things
Held you in a lovable content mood.

It's this lesson of life
That we will treasure the most
And pass onto your great-gran-kiddies
With a toast

Miss you...we will
Fear for you...we will not
For Supernans fly to better places
...for ages and ages.

Enjoy being young and free again
And without concern or worry
As always sending you good energies
Love you lots...Ben, Grant and Jodie

Letter of Love

The following is a short letter that I sent to my mum and dad from Malaysia...after reflecting deeply on what they have done for me over the years...

To Mummabear & Puppabear

How could I ever repay the two of you?
I fear that it is not possible.

You are my reason for being, literally,
You made it possible for me to experience this life, this breath, this existence.
How could I ever repay the two of you?

You nurtured and provided for me when I was unable to do so for myself,
You kept me safe from harm and in good health.
How could I ever repay the two of you?

You provided me with more than enough to become a good person,
You gave me love, food, clothing, shelter, education, toys and money.
How could I ever repay the two of you?

You showed me love even when I acted in an un-loveable way,
You love me even when I’m unkind, disrespectful and ungrateful.
How could I ever repay the two of you?

How could I ever repay the two of you?
I fear that it is not possible.

I love you both in the deepest meaning of the word.

Lots of love…Bubbabear Ben =)

Letter to Uncle Len

My Uncle Len suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and has been wheelchair/bed bound for over 8 years now...the amount of suffering that he has endured, I'm sure is more than I myself could bare...and yet he continues to inspire those who spend time with him...his specialness is in his ability to see the humour in life, as well as his love affair with LOVE. I sent the following message to him from KL, Malaysia within a card.

Uncle Len...

I want you to know that you have been of great help to me. You have been the inspiring light that has helped develop a deep source of love, compassion and happiness within me...I can only hope that these few words convey the incredible gratitude that I feel towards you.

The Tibetans say that Buddhas may appear in the world disguised as humans...I now know what they mean.

Forever thankful...smiles, peace and happiness...Ben =)

Cue to the Unknown (Q to the X)

The following is a short play on words...from the letter q-x...3 words on each line representing what are known as the three Jewels in the buddhist tradition (the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha)...8 lines representing the 8-fold Noble Path

Quiet quotidian quest
realizing Rinpoche relax
sacred sitting silence
thinking thoughts terminate
ubiquitous utopian unity
vague visions vanish
wholesome wisdom wells
XXX