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"Wake up! Life is waiting..."

"Only those who have awakened know that they were sleeping."

From: As is Where is - by Jim Paredes.

When the silence is golden, it is just silence. There is no obligation, no pressure to do something or to have something. People who realize this will seek silence for its authenticity. They know that silence is the source of enlightened consciousness for everyone.


“This is the silence that is open and free”, says Jim Paredes in his new book As is Where is. “This is the truth of simply being, the silence that has no requirements.”


It is his third book, after Humming in My Universe,... More > Between Blinks, and Writing on Water. Jim discovered silence through years of living consciously in the way of Zen, and has released his creative genius in ways that inspire many people to follow a similar path.


When I joined Jim’s creativity class more than three years ago, he asked us to release ourselves from media influence for two weeks (radio, tv, music, books). The result was immediate for all who complied with his request, as our creativity blossomed.


Jim writes about always being ready to experience life as it is. “The way to the unknown is the unknown”, he says, advising us to “throw away your old map. Only a new road will get you to a new destination.”


If there is anything constant in our lives, it is change. Yet we tend to believe that our spiritual journey is based on constant truths. Until we discover that our appreciation of truth also evolves as we grow in our experience. For one, we realize that we attract what we need to grow, including unexpected encounters with life’s paradoxes.


In the introduction to his new book, Jim writes about noticing a different feel to the topography of his own spiritual journey. Leaving the green and lush behind, he encounters “dried patches of a new, arid landscape”. He shares how it spurred his sense of being challenged to “explore new territories where God is hard to find, or is unlikely to be, but is in fact present.”


Jim keeps challenging us to live forward and let go of things that supported us yesterday. “It’s as if we are flipping a switch”, he says, “from sleep to full awakening.” Seeking out silence is an essential part of that daily journey.


As I write this, I feel encouraged to be awake. Peace is here as I allow myself to enter its realm of silence. I feel better connected. Thank you, Jim!



Visit my blog at www.daoandwine.blogspot.com



Saxman < Less

"Great Read! Could not put it down!"
Not only did I enjoy the book, but I couldn’t seem to get enough of it. When I saw that I was reaching the end of the book, I started to reread the other parts because I didn’t want to be finished with the book. When I finally gave in and finished reading it, I simply read it again. And in reading again, I also caught insights I did not catch the first time. My high school classmate from Maryknoll wants to borrow the book after me, but I think I will just buy her one since I want to hold on to my AS IS WHERE IS copy. I want to highlight parts that touched or moved me. I want to underline phrases that inspired me. I even memorized phrases that were... More > relevant to me. I was even taking down notes while reading the book!

I have to confess I do not know how to meditate, and I wonder if you can recommend a cd or dvd to help me get started. There is too much clutter in my brains and I am curious as to how to clear my mind of the clutter and focus on nothing. I want to, as you say, surrender to the moment.

You’re write up about suffering (to be present to suffering is to diminish it) was very timely as I was going through a rough patch, and I still am. Your insights on this subject alleviated my pain and my suffering. Its as it I was meant to read the book.

I just read your blog and I quote: “Life is short. Wake up to it while you still have time and energy.” I so agree with you and everything you express in your blog are my sentiments exactly.

Reena < Less

"Jim's words..." The beauty in Jim's words lies in his ability to be so honest and forthright about his thoughts and feelings. He has a very refreshing way of sharing his personal experiences so naturally and so candidly. He gives the reader permission to live vicariously through him.

What a pleasure and privilege it truly is to view life through Jim's eyes!

Toots Magsino
www.tootsmagsino.com