This past October I attended a Dharma talk focusing on the global ethics of our future.
The 80-year-old global activist, humanitarian, teacher and author of Be Free Where You Are, Thich Nhat Hanh challenged the audience to evaluate their thought processes, behaviors and collective energy.
Collective energy resonates with me: the environment we live in, our place of work, family, friends and the people we engage. These influencing factors define who we are, how we think and ultimately guide our journey in life.
What influences in your life inspire? What influences in your life feed the lizard brain?
The energy we collect will result in the happiness, freedom and successes we experience.
adam's quest 
I would have loved to see him speak. I went to his monastery in Escondido California before I returned to live in Canada. Amazing soul! I noticed you had a look at my profile on Linked IN, so I returned the inquiry by checking out your blog! Very nice! Are you familiar with Marshall Ulrich? He gave a talk here in Canada as part of a seminar on endurance and ultra-lifestyle…very nice down to earth person – very hard working, obviously! (http://marshallulrich.com/media.htm)
Have a good weekend!
Anna
Thanks for the great note Anna!
Getting to Thich Nhat Han’s Blue Cliff Monastery in upstate New York has been on my to-do list for some time. Just being in his presence, hearing his stories and perspectives on the energy we collect (and ultimately control) at the Dharma talk was truly amazing.
Are you a runner too? Marshall and I share a mutual friend though I have not had the opportunity to meet him. There’s a lot of parallels with Buddhist Zen philosophies and the ultra-lifestyle. I’ve gotten into both about 3 years ago and love it! There is a different level of peace and being present while running in places off the grid, covering distances that go beyond what our mind and body tell us we are capable of achieving.