everyday zazen

on the mountain,my son explained to a nervous,novice climber that,to make her next move,she had to be willing to let go her handhold.

in life,we cling so tightly to an illusion of security. if we let go in faith,we do not fall.

‘ without suffering,you cannot grow. without suffering,you cannot get the peace and joy you deserve. please don’t run away from your suffering. embrace it and cherish it. ‘ thich nhat hanh

whatever happens is for our own good. if we can but see it.

it can be difficult to make a decision. even more so to act. i seek assurance that my decision and actions are the right ones. but assurance is difficult to find and not to act can be harmful.

but i don’t have to take a mighty leap. small steps,one at a time,can lead me in the right direction. and allow the possibility for change of direction.

an aquaintance who has been suffering for years has finally found alleviation for her pain. ‘the help was there all the time but i didn’t listen’,she said.

it is only in stillness that we can really listen and be open to hearing.

there is that which i need and that which i want. they are not necessarily exclusive. but how can i know when need slips into greed ?

take time and look carefully.

not being active yesterday was an opportunity to simply observe the constant activity of the mind. thoughts follow thoughts. if i follow them they have the appearance of reality. left to themselves they just burst as bubbles do.

why involve myself when i can have the unmediated experience of this moment. this is real.

it is a warm sunny day,a gentle breeze blowing off the sea. and i am unwell. so do i allow the state of my health to prevent me from enjoying this day?

in this moment my life is as this. a gift to be received with gratitude.

my daughter is moving to another country and i will miss her. i don’t want her to go. but love is not a desire to possess. it is an expression of selflessness.

time to let go. and help her move.

clinging to the past denies this precious now the space to manifest itself. what waste!

what is this mysterious process we call ageing? why can i no longer do the things i once could? when did i cease to be a young,strong,man?

why am i continually surprised? the signs of impermanence are clear. but still i continue to ignore the passing.