The  Zen Master Thuong Chieu  wrote, “If the practitioner  knows his own mind clearly he will obtain results with little effort. But if he does not know anything about his own mind, all of his effort will be wasted.”

So often we enter into our practice hoping to secure a sense of inner contentment. Though in the process of waking, when we truly begin the work of disentangling aspects of ego, we may find ourselves completely and fully upended.

We struggle to reconcile the disparity – an alternate view which both encompasses and encourages. For a brief instance, we see ourselves reflected in our surroundings – and everything is beauriful. Just as the gentle arc of a hundred year oak, bending to suit the will of winds – we, too, begin our transition.

For those who know the challenges of mind, the effort is inconsequential. But for those who can not yet relinquish their mask, they will find difficulty in broadening such a static view. Never realizing that they are longing for a freedom only they can reveal.

Perhaps in time they can begin to understand, we don’t get what we want…we get what we believe.

My sweet friends, today is my birthday – could you honor this day by sharing a kindness to another?

In peace,

Namaste ❣