APPRECIATE THE LIFE THAT IS PRESENTING ITSELF RIGHT NOW

I’ve said this many times before, but ultimately this practice isn’t something separate. This practice is the very practice of our own life. Zen mastery is the mastery of our own circumstances.

And so we often say, “I’ll make more time for practice when things are going well.” I’ll practice more when I can take a vacation, catch my breath, or get past this deadline.

Not realizing, of course, that catching your breath — or racing toward the deadline — is your practice.

So if we really want to summarize what this practice is about, once we have some degree of realization — once we recognize that practice means placing our attention with intention — then the practice begins to actualize.

And the actualization of this practice is very simple:

Appreciate your life.

Not the life you wish you had.
Not the life you’ll have someday.

Appreciate the life that is presenting itself right now.

Even in the midst of challenges — or maybe especially in the midst of challenges — put a big smile on and walk bravely into them. Really appreciate what is being brought forward.

You won’t always have that opportunity.

Have a wonderful morning!

#zenpractice #dailyzen #mindfulness #presentmoment #oneriverzen