I'm reading my first Ezra Bayda book called Zen Heart and it's absolutely stuffed with food for thought. I've made it through once, but have taken the time to read through it again and include it as part of my meditation.What has stood out to me most is the question, "Can I welcome this as my path?" which comes up repeatedly throughout the chapters.
The idea is that it's easy to be happy, loving, and kind when things are going well. The real test is to find happiness in the moments of loss, pain, and illness. If we can face these times in our lives not as obstacles on our path, but as the path itself, we'll find peace and happiness in their midst; we will be able to show love and compassion in what could have been a dark and lonely hour.
A woman cuts in line at the grocery...
Can I welcome this as my path?
I'm late for the plane, missing my flight...
Can I welcome this as my path?
I buckle in pain as my illness flares and my body fails me again today...
Can I welcome this as my path?
I lose a loved one...
Can I welcome this as my path?
No matter how large or small our troubles, somehow in accepting the path before us, the world becomes right again...
4 comments:
I am trying to work on this too, after listening to a bunch of Noah Levine's podcasts about the difference between pain and suffering. If we can accept that we are meant to learn certain things from the happenings in our lives, then we are not suffering. It's taking me quite a long time to learn this lesson, but some of it is starting to sink in a little bit!
Theresa - I know what you mean. It only takes a moment to realize it, but it takes a lifetime to live it. I do know that I'm a happier, more compassionate person because of realizations like these. It's just a matter of continuing those baby steps... Keep plugging along. :)
I have begun reading the same book. This blog entry has unlocked something positive in me. I am going through a time in my life now that has questioned every thing all the way to my will to live. I do not sleep and I am in tears. Thank you for being a light in the darkness.
mips36 - I've been there. The depression. The tears. The mornings when brushing your teeth is just too much. But there is joy and peace on the other side. Hang in there...
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