Poems, Quotes and Parables

TEA AND ZEN

19 Mar 2026

Beginning tomorrow morning, I will be sharing a small daily offering — a poem, quote or parable to greet the day.

These will come from three voices whose words have long carried light into the world: Hafiz, Rumi, and Mary Oliver, with guest appearances from others that light the way.

Each morning, one poem, one quote or parable.

A moment to pause, breathe, and remember the quiet beauty of being alive.

Nigel Lott teaandzen.org

Madness Cannot Be Rationalized

Not everything unfolding in the world can be explained through logic or strategy. Sometimes the attempt to rationalize madness only deepens our confusion.

The Morning Poem by Mary Oliver

Morning arrives quietly. Before the day gathers its momentum, Mary Oliver reminds us to step outside, breathe the air, and remember the simple blessing of being alive.

A Meditation — A Call to the Light

In a time when the world seems filled with noise, conflict, and uncertainty, we are invited to remember something deeper.

Loving the Difficult: On Compassion in a Time of Cruelty

Compassion is easy when kindness surrounds us. It becomes far harder when we face cruelty and injustice. How do we keep the heart open toward those who cause harm without denying the suffering they create?

Read more

Madness Cannot Be Rationalized

The Morning Poem by Mary Oliver

A Meditation — A Call to the Light

Loving the Difficult: On Compassion in a Time of Cruelty