A Talk Between Lovers

Zen at its best is something like a talk between two would be lovers:

“If you love me, get over the words and distance, but give space.”

– Piya Tan – from a Buddhist discussion list.

The issue of distance or space is perhaps a constant in relationships between unenlightened beings. Sometimes we want others very near, other times we want ‘our space’. Too lonely one day, smothered the next.

This phrase of Tan’s was particularly poignant as I contemplate marrying a perfectly amazing woman only to commit to a year apart from her. My life of studies, community, nature, and spirituality pull me ever so back to Montana. A job, perhaps two, old friends, old teachers and some new; all await me there. Not to mention the big skies, mountains, and cool spring air.

Meanwhile my fiancee is in DC. She knows DC is not for her, but…. she has “karma to work out” says our friend, Raven, the Tarot card reader. How long? The cards are not so specific there. But something in DC has a grip on her, and even as her heart cries out to leave, she cannot.