When life is hard, as it is at this moment, I would rather escape, but I have learned what I miss when I do that–a lifetime. Sounds dramatic, maybe because it is.
Fear presents dramatically, doesn’t it?
Having a daily Zen practice opens my eyes to moments of escape, not wanting to be in the moment I have. Here is what I have learned about escape: it I sets me up for a future boomerang, so what’s the point?
Sooner or later, I will visit this experience.
It’s up to me whether I face it now or let it come warring back when I least want the experience. Boomerangs are rarely welcome visitors.
Zen teaches me the choice is mine, always. I find this very practical.
So, I’m staying with the moment I have. What I see may not be what I get but it does limit the scope of surprise.
As Shakespeare revealed, appearance is rarely reality. No one taught us better than his fool who always saw through the human experience.
Zen helps me see through my illusions. Everyone has them. But my life lens is not yours. What we share is being human.
I wonder why we do not treat one another better. If we did, perhaps we would not create elaborate labyrinths only to end up where we began, in fear.
Every time I seek escape I cause pain somewhere and always to myself. Better to stand in my moment–do the best I can–remember there are always options. Some of which have yet to be revealed.
It means fewer future boomerangs and perhaps I a lesser fool.
Aim for Even posts offer equanimity a dose at a time. No day or dose is ever the same, even if the aim is. You may read about the origins of Aim for Even here or on this site’s About page.
I posted this on facebook. I really thought it was worth sharing.
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Thanks, Robin! Much appreciated.
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“zen teaches me the choice is mine” is so thought provoking. I often ponder this question: can we control what our minds think about ? I don’t know the answer yet, but the zen lesson you give certainly suggests that perhaps we have this mysterious power. perhaps.
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Zen gives me guidance regarding attachment and aversion. If I do neither, all that is left is to immerse myself in what is. Is that control? I don’t know but it is such a good question, my friend. Thank you! 🙂
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Being in the moment and accepting what is remains a powerful message. Thank you, for I dither far too much.
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