THE HARD WORK OF INTEGRATION

We often think that the small self is monolithic—that the narrative we carry about who we think we are is discrete and moves through a single channel.

But when we look carefully, we notice that there are many different identities contained within this notion of the small self. Sometimes we are the husband. Sometimes we are the father. Sometimes we are the staff member.

Each of these identities, when we cling to it or dwell within it, drives our actions. Another word for action in Sanskrit is karma.

And because these identities shape our actions, they also shape what we are willing to recognize as part of our lives. They influence what we take responsibility for, what we refuse to engage, and what we attempt to disown or push away.

So today, as you look at your life and try to move beyond some notion of a structured self, one of the most important things you can do is look at what you have disowned.

What responsibilities are pressing in upon you, calling for your attention, that you are refusing to engage?

Engaging in those activities is the hard work of integration and the deep recognition of our true nature.

It may sound overwhelming. It may feel like too much pressure for us to accept. But the path to liberation comes through those very activities. It comes through walking that karmic path and doing the hard work of integration.

So look today for what you are trying to disown or push away.

Have a wonderful morning.

#DailyZen #ZenPractice #Karma #Integration #OneRiverZen