The following talk is given by Tara Brock, meditation teacher, psychologist and author.

Our last class was titled Intimacy with Life.

It's actually the name of our retreats we do here.

And it comes from a Zen master who described that the very nature of enlightenment is to

be intimate with all things.

And it's an interesting reflection at this time of year because these holidays, these

holy days, can be really poignant because there's meant to be a time of coming together

and feeling our open-hearted connection and a celebration of life.

And for many, it brings up a sense of loneliness if we don't have a lot of family or connection

or for some of us, I've talked to a few people, the poignancy of loss because people we love

aren't with us.

And then for huge numbers, all the reactivity that comes, historical reactivity, they say

that if you think you're enlightened, go home for the holidays.

And some of you might remember, this is slightly adapted for the season, but there's a story

of an old man in Phoenix who calls his son in New York and says, I hate to ruin your day,

but I have to tell you, your mother and I are divorcing, 45 years of misery, it's enough.

And you know, sons, as pop, what are you talking about?

You can't do that, but the father says, nope, we're doing it.

We can't stand the sight of each other any longer.

And so call your sister in Chicago and just tell her.

So it hangs out.

So the son calls his sister and she says, you know, I'll take care of this.

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