Memorial Gathering

On April 22, about 30 people gathered at Dawn's and Barry's house in Walnut Creek for the purpose of remembering Bruce Noble and celebrating the life that he lived. Some of us had not seen each other in many years, a few of us had never met. All of us had some connection to Bruce, and through him, to each other. The sun was shining, though rain had been predicted. We walked up to the amazing oak tree and settled ourselves in its long welcoming branches which provided seating at various levels. Poems were read--some from people unable to join the gathering--memories from over the years were shared, stories were told. I think Jeff Love pretty much summed it up when he stood, stretched his arms toward the sky and shouted out "We love you Bruce!" Osha had Bruce's ashes in a large container and those who wished to took a handful and scattered them around the magnificent tree or took some with them to scatter or bury elsewhere. We walked back down to the house to share the food, sitting in small groups indoors and outdoors to continue sharing both humorous and poignant remembrances of our contact with Bruce. Osha read aloud the Zen story of the 10 Bulls which Bruce had always loved. It was a sweet day.

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Thursday, February 22, 2007

Jerry Leach

Jerry Leach forwards this piece written by Bruce many years ago. It's "Bruce's 12 Rules For Improving Relationships".

In my experience, the following rules may aid you in your relationships. As with all rules and guides they may be difficult to implement immediately, but if you make the decision and you make it a goal to behave in this or a similar manner, I think you will find your relationships improving and your life more harmonious.
(Wherever you see the words "the other person" you may substitute the name of anyone with whom you are in a relationship.)

1. Above all else love the other person unconditionally.

2. If you want to improve a relationship with anyone, change yourself. Almost all efforts to improve a relationship that are futile are efforts to change the other person.

3. Treat the other person in a way that enhances the building of a long term permanent perfect relationship that has no separation.

4. Be willing to expose your deepest feelings to the other person, even if there are unpleasant consequences that come from that, but get their permission first.

5. Do everything you can to not injure the other person.

6. Always be honest with respect to the other person and yourself.

7. Be willing to please the other person in all situations that do not require your not being true to yourself.

8. Remind yourself that whenever you're upset with your partner, that the behavior your partner is exhibiting is the same behavior in yourself that you've not handled.

9. Don't violate any agreements of the relationship.

10. If you are unhappy with an existing agreement, change the agreement, don't violate it. In a situation where no specific agreements exist, follow the general agreements of the surrounding society. As an example: if you are in a sub-culture, follow the agreements of the sub-culture if the other person is a member of the sub-culture also.

11. Don't expect the other person to read your mind. Ask for what you want.

12. Don't threaten the other person. If the situation is intolerable to you, state that it is such. Don't manipulate.

I really bless you and wish you and your relationships the very best of everything.

Posted by Edrid at

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