The Life of Learning Singers perform "E'en Like the Hunted Hind" -- a simple but beautiful piece written by Thomas Tallis, based on Psalm 42. 'As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after thee. You alone are my heart's desire and I long to be with thee'...

In our conversations with others, we must learn to say what we want as clearly and kindly as possible, yet leaving no doubt as to our desire. Otherwise we learn, too late, the painful lesson that unspoken assumptions always return to bite the hand of the one who holds them.

The true measure of one's strength is not determined by his or her drive, assertiveness, or even his willingness to suffer for the sake of some worldly desire. Instead it is found in the degree to which one will agree to enter into the struggle between the indwelling light and darkness.

Classroom Talk: 11/20/2024 - Whenever we kneel to the temptation of some consoling indulgence, or struggle to acquire a power to protect us from a fear...we yield to, and serve the pleasure of a darkened desire that has promised, once again, to save us from (our) pain.

Any plan born of desire soon expires both itself, as well as the fulfillment it promised to those who seek it, as imagined. On the other hand, those who follow what they love are continually enriched, especially as they realize that the flawless author and guide of their journey... is Love itself.

No matter how challenging the condition may be, regardless how steep the learning curve -- or wide the gap between what you desire to do, and yet cannot -- the first limitation you meet in these moments is always one and the same as an invitation to transcend it. The first imperfection is spiritual self-ignorance.

Student Talks: 6/7/2019 - Key Lesson: No image is alive. If the pictures we cling to had the power to satisfy the desire that creates them, then a picture of food would ease our hunger, and painting a smile on the reflection of our face in a mirror would help console our broken heart.

Fear and anxiety do not exist outside of an old mind that -- moment by moment -- creates these dark states in a deeply divided space within itself...

Classroom Talk: 1/22/2023 - As long we find value in being identified with anything, we remain the captive of an unconscious nature that not only never stops longing for what it imagines will make it secure, but that also consents to suffer over its inability to satisfy its own insatiable desire.

Whatever seems to be in the way of your happiness must be realized as being a part of the way or... You're going the wrong way.

The divided mind -- driven by desire, as it is -- is very similar to a dog that has learned to throw its own stick. It cannot come to a rest until it has exhausted itself, and even then it can't let go of what it feels compelled to chase.

Classroom Talk: 5/11/2003 - Part 1: There is no life lesson available to us that exists apart from the Light that reveals its truth. Part 2: Our soul, in her developing desire for the Divine, is like a flower created to be visited and attended to by Higher Beings that bring her wisdom, comfort, and silent joy.