SIT WITH WONDER AT YOUR OWN “SCAREDNESS”

If we look carefully at the contours of our karmic landscape — the way things present themselves in our lives — we’ll notice that much of it is defined by fear.

The boundaries between self and other, between this and that, between good and bad, mine and yours — all of it is often created through aversion. Through a subtle sense of fear.

So it makes sense that a large part of our practice is becoming wise about how we approach fear — this unseen force that is constantly shaping our actions.

Today, when you notice aversion, when you notice the urge to push something away, or when you feel afraid of something, try something different.

Walk into it.

Approach your fear with curiosity. Sit with wonder at your own “scaredness.”

That’s the only way to master the dialectic that tries to control your life and your ability to engage freely.

You may find that when you examine fear closely — when you draw near to the very thing that scares you — the boundaries between self and other soften. The things that once seemed insurmountable begin to appear much more clear.

But it requires doing the opposite of what you’re inclined to do.

Instead of turning away, draw close.

Have a wonderful morning.

#zenpractice #dailyzen #mindfulness #fearless #oneriverzen