Zen Wisdom for Your Everyday Life

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""Language issues forth and yet not a word is said."

We often feel separate from one another, longing to be seen and heard. There seems to be so many barriers to connection and we rarely feel understood.

And yet, all the while, in truth, we are forever connected. In fact, we are speaking and listening to each other and to the whole world all the time. Yet, mostly we are not aware of it.

We don't know what we're truly saying or hearing, or if anyone is listening at all.

The first step in Zen practice is to sit still and listen to ourselves, becoming available to all the communication that longs to bubble up from within.

Then we will become able to listen to the sounds of the world, to hear what is really being said and to respond naturally. As this happens it becomes easy to see that we are all one.

The sense of loneliness and separation will then fade, as love and oneness rule the day.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PART 2

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Usually we think we have many chances to do something, say something or have a new experience. If we miss our opportunity today, tomorrow will always come. This poignant, powerful Zen saying is a reminder that tomorrow may not come. It is also a reminder that each moment, each person, each opportunity that arises before us is "unrepeatable". If we miss what is right in front of our eyes, if we think it is not so important, or not to our liking, we are are really missing our lives.  The teaching and podcast presents us with a different way of receiving "this".

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Most of us live our lives walking along preset paths. We  follow our plans and expectations and do all we can to  make things work out. When things go  our way, we call the day good. However, Zen practice shows us how to respond when our path is blocked, when sudden events take place, or someone in great need is placed before us. Practice shows us how to let go of our plans and expectations, to really encounter what is in front of us , become available , and respond whole heartedly to the cries of the world.

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As the great Zen teaching goes, "When there are no unnecessary thoughts in your mind, everyday is a Good day."  This is teaching us that basically thoughts cannot be depended upon, they are unnecessary to our well being. Not only that, most of the time they act as a block to seeing what is right here in front of us, and truly enjoying it. Our usual thinking is critical, searching for mistakes in ourselves and others. It is preoccupied with right and wrong, always judging, separating us from the moment. But the days come as they do, and no matter what the circumstances, everyday is a good day, when we do not allow random thoughts and encounters to rule the show. Take a dip into the world of Zen and see how you can push the pause button and find a place of delight and ease.

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How often we wonder where we are, or where someone else may be? There's a sense of being lost in the world, and also a sense that the people we care for are missing. Even when they're right beside us, they can be missing. But the great koan of Zen is, I'm Here!  Not only am I right here before you, so is the entire world. It is only us, we separate ourselves from what is right before us. We look away from what is happening, wanting or expecting something else. But when we are willing to receive and be one with whatever comes our way, all our koans are answered. And all our suffering melts away.

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Around and around we go in life, enjoying the whirling merry go round. Up and down we go, waiting for the golden ring. Then , at last, dizzy and unsettled, the time comes when it's no longer fun. The golden ring doesn't satisfy, or stop the chase we're on. The spinning wearies us, and we long to step onto the firm earth. That moment of recognition is vital. And then, how do we take that step off the merry go round. Where does it lead us and what happens then? 

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Often it's hard to take the next step. We don't know where to go, what will happen, or if we're going n the right direction. We can lose years of our lives wondering, doubting ourselves, or fearing the outcome.  Although we long to start a new era, relationship, or experience, so many of us are stopped, and put our lives on hold.  We don't know if we're ready or clear enough about what to do. Zen practice has a wonderful response to this dilemma. It is actually the very practice of taking the next step, the next breath, of digesting our lives so that our next moves come naturally. In fact, the Next Step appears every moment, right here  in front of us. When we practice, we cannot help but make it time and again.

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We all dash about endlessly, coming and going without end. Where are we going and what are we looking for? Relief, refreshment, fun, success. We start a relationship and then quickly need a break. Maybe there's something better out there? But all the coming and going leaves us exhausted, and ultimately disappointed.  There's a better way to receive what we need. Go nowhere at all, stay still and patient in the middle of the storm of desires. Once the restless heart pauses, then our true needs arise and are met effortlessly.... We even see they always have been. Try and see.

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It's natural to think that we must guard what we have, hold onto it tight and be careful not to lose it. No matter how much we hold on though, everything changes and we experience loss. It's as though nothing remains, and we are left bereft and lonely.  This is the perception of the small child within, who screams and cries, throws tantrums and demands the world always remain and provide just what they want when they want it.

As we grow, our awareness develops and the deeper truth is revealed. As stillness, clarity and devotion grows, it is easy to se that t everything is always here. Nothing can be lost, ever. Once we make a connection, love one another, the experience is with us forever. It grows as we grow and teaches us the truth about our real life.

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The question "What's Next?" is heard over and over. We finish one project and search for the next.  Big changes take place in our life and we immediately dwell upon how we will go on, or what to do or say next. .A relationship ends and we're hungry for another.  It may  even seem as if there is nothing  ahead for us. This can create deep despair, along with feelings of helplessness and failure.
As we live this way, we overlook and aren't  aware of life's continuous offerings life presents.   Each day we are being offered incredible moments, insight, and new opportunities. However, when we are lost in the search for what's next, we aren't available to see or receive what's being give to us right now. Zen practice turns this around, allowing us to see what's here, and what's next, every single moment.

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