STAY WHERE YOU ARE

It’s a frightening trend sometimes in the news—you hear about someone trying to take a selfie, and they wind up walking over the edge of a cliff or stepping into traffic and getting themselves hurt. In a constant effort to reframe themselves in more and more beautiful circumstances, they forget where they are. And in forgetting where they are, they put themselves in danger.

We might think our practice would exclude us from that, but it’s important from time to time to take a good look at where we’re actually standing. Take a look at the efforts we make to reform things, to beautify our circumstances in our mind’s eye.

But when we return to where we actually are, when we step into the circumstances of our life as they present themselves, we don’t need to be concerned about the kind of damage that comes from not paying attention.

So today, when you find yourself drifting off in that way—trying to place yourself somewhere more beautiful or serene than where you are—instead, return to the earth under your feet. Engage your hands and address the suffering that’s right in front of you.

That’s the only way this transformational liberation will ever manifest—not just for you, but for everyone you encounter.

Have a wonderful morning!

#Zen #Meditation #Mindfulness #Dharma #Awakening