Without the planning, worrying, and judging of the mind, we're available to be alive to whatever is here in our experience right now.
Washing dishes becomes a play of textures, eating dinner a symphony for the senses.
Many of us live in ideas about what our lives will be like when…when we are wealthier, thinner, happier, more settled…fill in your version of your future, better life.
But what’s possible is to not miss out on life as it’s happening right now—this breath, these words, the sensations in your body, the world coming in through your senses.
Can you give yourself fully to the most ordinary experiences? What do you notice?
In Harmony with Daily Affairs
When we're present to what is, we're fully open to the moments of our lives with no resistance. As Layman P’ang says, we don’t hold on to anything or reject anything, so we are in harmony with all that is.
We are relaxed, alert, and aware. We do what needs to be done with grace and patience.
This teaching invites us to consider how we may be out of harmony with the unfolding of daily life. What takes you away from experiencing the simple moments of your existence?
Consider everything that happens: brushing your teeth, preparing food, talking with a loved one, doing your work. Can you be present and awake, in harmony with what is?
If not, how is it that you turn away from life?
Who Cares About Wealth and Honor?
When the lack and need that are at the core of the separate self fall away, how do we show up? Empty, open, and humble.
Even the Poorest Thing Shines
This wise statement asks us to investigate if there is anything in our experience that we’re judging, dismissing, avoiding, or pushing away. Is there something present that we’re afraid to feel?
If so, we’re believing the commentary of the mind that divides and separates. We’re lost in the painful world of polarities, seeing things as good or bad, right or wrong.
Explore turning away from the thinking mind and into the freshness of the moment. Now everything can be seen in its full reality, just as it is, illuminated with the light of pure presence. Oh, it’s this!
We don’t need to look outside ourselves hoping for the insight that will finally make us happy…because what is here is unendingly full and complete. The deepest fulfillment is revealed in the simplest things.
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Like Layman P’ang, bring your full awareness and loving heart to the most mundane activities of daily life. And prepare to be amazed…
With love,
Gail
