This book of poetry is inspired by my love of nature and by meditation, the desire to sit, breathe and become still. When I first started meditating, my mind was all over the place, I could barely sit still at all. I realized quickly that I was not in control of my mind. My mind was so conditioned, so fast, so ego driven there was no space or quiet inside at all. I was experiencing what is traditionally called the monkey mind, the image being a bothered monkey jumping from branch to branch. But with dedicated practice and the help of great writings by Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein, A.H. Almaas, Thich Nat Hahn, Ram Das, Pema Chodron, Hafiz and Rumi to name but a few, I have been able to tame the monkey on occasion. Oddly for me, (and I say oddly because I initially was expecting only physical benefits, i.e relaxation, calmness) what has awakened is a sense of evolving spirituality, one that is an integral part of our nature of being human. Each of us is a wonderfully growing, unique expression of spirit. When we come together in attentive presence, in the space of silent surrender, the peace, love and joy are undeniable. Not only will we know what to do but we will do what is needed to spread goodness in the world.
 
Words Along The Way, images and experiences collected like berries on a forest path, reflects a chapter of my journey.

-Rich Lamb

 
Words Along The Way
In the midst of an increasingly complex and busy world, this is a book of poetry gathered on a path of inquiry, of discovery, of seeking the peace and wonder of it All. There is hope in these pages that the world will find the simple treasures laying just beneath the surface of our common ground.