Just as this morning’s sun will have to hurdle the thick layer of clouds over St. John in order to shine brightly, so too, do we have to overcome hurdles in life to find the best in us ….
This morning’s post goes out to a friend, to remind him of the greatest way to overcoming life’s hurdles, that which is the power of now. My friend is on his way to see his girlfriend, who needed to go stateside for medical treatment. Her situation was quite touch and go for a while, but fortunately her prognosis is a bit better. However, it’s going to be a very long road to recovery. He is grappling with all of the “what if’s” ….
Recently, we had a chance to reconnect and to chat about each others lives and the forks and hurdles in the road. I worked hard to keep my mindfulness practice. I paid close attention, as our conversation would dive into the past, and begin imagining the future …
All of us do this: Wishing to create favorable outcomes for our future, when things are uncertain.
As I step back from fantasies, dreams, wishes and goals for the future, mindfulness reminds me of the greatest (and most challenging) of my yogic vows: That of Ishvarapranidhana. Surrender. To lay all of my actions at the feet of God. To place 100% trust in the Universe, where all is seen as “favorable”.
My hope for my friend is that he will meet his ailing girlfriend surrendering to the full force of only the present moment. No past. No future. Simply in the Flow of Life. This is where healing can and does occur. Do your work my friend, and give your energy without reservation. Should things become overwhelming, and you begin to feel drained, come back to the breath. There lies stillness, peace and the renewable energy source.
In closing, I share a poem by Leo Babuta of Zen Habits. It’s a poem which kept me sane through a death of a best friend and colleague five years ago, and through all the crazy days leading up to the sale of my computer business, which will be 3 years ago tomorrow (which is also the day my friend’s girlfriend unexpectedly walked into his life!)
——
The Master allows things to happen.
He shapes events as they come.
He steps out of the way
and lets the Tao speak for itself.
The Master sees things as they are,
without trying to control them.
He lets them go their own way,
and resides at the center of the circle.
Other people have a purpose;
I alone don’t know.
I drift like a wave on the ocean,
I blow as aimless as the wind.
Success is as dangerous as failure.
Hope is as hollow as fear.
Whether you go up the ladder or down it,
your position is shaky.
When you stand with your two feet on the ground,
you will always keep your balance.
The gentlest thing in the world
overcomes the hardest thing in the world.
That which has no substance
enters where there is no space.
Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.
—-
“Life’s a river, you gotta go where it takes you … One bank of the river is happiness, the other misery. It’s best to stay in the midst of the stream, and away from the banks.”
Over the past 3 years I’ve been blowing adrift and aimless, stepping out of my own way, fearlessly accepting uncertainty …. Flowing down the river of life, seeking out the new roots, the focus and the passion, which will once again ground me.
I am and always will be a safe harbor for you my dear friend … An island of strength and support in the middle of this roaring river of life. Just as you have been for me all of these years ….
My prayers are with you both … ❤
From OM – To Zen. I am here ….
