How to develop a lighter mind,
Able to easily drift on the winds of change?
All my attitudes hinder this,
Causing me to adhere to every sticking point.
Rather than a clear openness,
I find the constant film of selfishness.
Sometimes this momentarily fades,
Through diligent application of appropriate means.
My attention waxes and wanes,
With the result that the tarnish returns.
Once again I sink under the grimy wash.
If I could but realize that this be illusion,
I could float freely as the leaf and cloud.
Let me go for a walk. How do I begin?
By starting from where I am.
I put one foot in front of the other.
Over and over and over.
I alone can do this.
I cannot ask: Would you move for me?
(I could, but this is nonsensical.)
If I want to trek to whatever destination,
I must commence.
Now is the only time;
These steps are the perfect means.
I embark upon the journey.
What is the beginning of wisdom?
Simply this. To say
I do not know.
Nothing more. This hard thing.
A sentence to utter often.
Practice articulating these words.
In solitude at first if need be, for familiarization.
One brief declaration, then stop.
Listen to what follows.
Open mind. Open heart.
I am come late to build my dwelling.
It proceeds slowly, hampered by age and infirmity.
Lest I get discouraged by this,
I keep in mind that my life antecedent
Has all been preparation.
I now have more skillful means to construct a proper residence
With patience, foresight, and expertise.
The foundation has been laid through prior experience;
The design has been shaped by acquired knowledge;
The materials have been gathered with painstaking care.
I know that I might not live to see the completion,
But that is not the point.
If need be, those who follow can finish;
Whatever I manage to construct will be beautiful and sturdy.
Thank you for teaching me patience amidst urgency.
Yes, my time here in this body is precious and brief,
And I wish to do as much good as possible for both myself and others.
But I can relax into this path
By realizing that my limitations are many and varied.
I am a traveler like everyone,
And my supplies and journey are affected by myriad different things.
The way can seem daunting, with unexpected detours and deterrents.
My progress speeds and slows and sometimes halts for awhile,
For I am not commencing alone in a void.
I continue step by step with a steady mind and open heart,
With the knowledge that eventually I will reach my destination.
While I travel, I experience pleasures and griefs on the way,
With appreciation that they are temporary and ever-changing.
Remember always that scenery is only scenery
And continue to walk.
I walked on the trail and saw
Amongst the usual plants and trees
A small sapling that appeared different.
This thing is not like the other things,
Thought I. But then I said
Stop and look again and see.
I did. Here is what I found:
Like the other growing things,
The little seedling grew from the earth;
The branches reached to the sky;
The wood was brown and the leaves green;
The sun and rain and soil nourished it.
This thing is utterly like the other things.
So with all, if only we look closely
With openness.
I stand at threshold of the path.
The gateway stands before me.
I look once, twice, and yet again.
At first glance, I see a plain simple structure.
Then it appears rich, bejeweled, and ornate.
On third look, it transforms back to an ordinary entrance.
Will I pass through to start the journey?
Yes, and yes, and yes.
All I have to do choose to begin.
One step, one breath, one life at a time.
Where do I take refuge?
If I build my happiness on external factors,
I will lose this. Always.
A futile task, as this brings short-term satisfaction
Which leaves me wondering where to go next.
My home will present problems
So that I move to find a better place. Again and again and again.
I think surely this time I will be content.
But there I am, and I remain the same.
I cannot leave myself behind
Yet I cast my unease as resulting from the wrong circumstances.
I want to stay in the place where I dwell
Without adding to my own suffering.
Just being alive can bring pain enough.
Let me learn wisdom, practice kindness,
Thereby to find peace.
Let us consider our actions with care,
Be they verbal, behavioral, or otherwise.
Any of these done has force in the world,
With consequences unforeseen and unknown.
Each gives rise to a certain tendency of repetition,
Increasing in weight into often unconscious habit.
Patterns can trap us in complex webs
Which take a lifetime or more to unravel.
Much simpler to choose with intent.
Not easier, as we are connected with all around us.
Start now, wherever we are.