I knew a woman once who seemed constantly angry. Her heart was in the right place, I’m sure – wanting desperately to create harmony and balance in her world. However, as the energy cycled, it would draw her more deeply into the abyss – evidence of it’s unmistakable attraction.

“I just don’t know what to do,” she said reaching for her tea. Hot plumes of steam rose unceremoniously into the air – yet still, she drank…scalding the delicate tissues of her lips and tongue. Cursing her ‘misfortune’, she threw the mug to floor – shattering it into a pile of empty pieces.

I thought of the five remembrances: “My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions.” How could she not see the impact of her own behavior? She wanted to meet people, find joy and hopefully someday settle down. And yet, she continued to work double overtime on night shifts, causing her to sleep most of the next day. She wanted so much more, though time and time again – refused to make room.

In his book, Five Invitations: What Death Can Teach About Living, Frank Ostaseski encourages us to find a place of rest amidst the clamor of distraction. “We often think of rest as something that will come to us when everything else in our lives is complete: At the end of the day, when we take a bath; once we go on holiday or get through all our to-do lists. We imagine that we can only find rest by changing our circumstances.”

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.

Pure joy comes to us in the space between breaths, when distractions of life are momentarily lifted. In that brief instance, we are able to separate ourselves from the lure of our condition. In assuming it cannot last, we do nothing to actively encourage its presence

What choices do you make each day? More importantly, which choices do you tend to push away? Is it a matter of convenience or worth?

In some cases, we push away what we feel is not ours to have. Though, more often, we accept the consequences of old habits because we don’t understand how to break them. As a result, we become resigned to them –  convinced that there is no other way.

But, the truth is, every moment is an invitation – a reminder to step outside the confines of our shell to experience this life fully on our terms. We experience what we choose to engage- both good and bad. Likewise, through its reflection we find the path to lasting peace.

A little something to consider, my friends…

With much love…namaste ❣