March 11, 2013

THE GIFT OF INSULTS

There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.

One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.

Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior’s challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.

Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. “How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?”

“If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it,” the master replied, “to whom does the gift belong?”

-Zen parable

———————————————————

2013 is the Chinese Year of the Snake. While this year can bring great fortune [the snake’s skin symbolizes money], it can be a year of conflicts. Snakes are known for their sharp and wickedly fast attacks. Arguments, anger and conflicts in relationships are often heightened in the year of the snake. In the White Cloud Monastery in China, the monks try to talk as little as possible during this year. (Knowledge from Taoist Master Dr. Wu.)

Especially this year, beware of attacks from others. The ability to keep your cool when you are being verbally attacked is true strength. View those who bring you the gift of insults as practice in helping you cultivate peace in any situation. Words cannot hurt you unless you give them the power to do so.

 

Photo source: Year of the Snake (Beijing, China)

March 11, 2013

DISCIPLINE AND PRACTICE


“Do not think that you can attain total awareness and whole enlightenment without proper discipline and practice.

This is egomania.

Appropriate rituals channel your emotions and life energy toward the light. Without the discipline to practice them, you will tumble constantly into darkness.”    – Lao-tzu

Knowledge can never become wisdom without practice. Masters become masters only through the continual practice of their craft. Most often people do not reach their goals because they do not have the disciple to continue practice daily.

Establishing a routine and training yourself to follow it is critical to success! This applies to everything from meditation and exercise to learning something new or developing a business. Do not allow yourself to lose momentum. It is said that a habit is developed after 90 days of daily repetition. So, you are just three months away from developing some excellent habits! Why not start today? :)

Photo source: Practice! :)

March 11, 2013

PATIENCE

It is said that in a great storm, the wise bird returns to her nest and waits patiently.

So often, we feel pressure (internal and/or external) to meet a deadline or make things happen immediately. We may force things together that don’t fit or rudely cut someone off in our rush to go there and do that. When we hit stormy times in our lives, it is actually most important to slow things down.

The reality is that our impatience can make a good thing bad or a bad thing worse. There are times when we aren’t meant to do anything but pray, rest, and relax. The anxiety we cause ourselves by trying to control the future is destructive. We need to calm ourselves down!

Gaining some perspective on the situation will allow us to understand that it really isn’t that big of a deal and in time we will sort it out. Give the answers a chance to come to you. And realize that chatting up a stranger for 2 minutes of your life (instead of constantly checking your phone) can lead to new knowledge and connections which may help to solve your issue.

So, count to 10 when you feel yourself losing your patience and relax! Life is too short to get caught up in every storm. Sometimes, you have to step back and realize how beautiful it is…and have faith that things are coming together for the highest good. Even if you don’t see it yet, clouds eventually clear :)

 

Photo source: supercell thunderstorm (Montana)

March 11, 2013

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

It is pretty heady stuff to be told that you have “infinite possibilities” or “unlimited potential.” What do you do with something like that? Where do you start?

As with everything, taking a deep breath first is the best idea. Calm yourself down and don’t get overwhelmed by the reality that you really could do anything. Follow your intuition, pick a dream, and start on the path to that goal.

Even if you aren’t sure what you should be doing, starting somewhere is the best way to get there…to where you’re meant to be. Trust yourself and just go with it :)

March 9, 2013

WHAT IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT?

“What do you really want to do? DO THAT…forget the money. If you say that getting the money is the most important thing, you will spend your life completely wasting your time. You will be doing things you don’t like doing in order to go on living…that is to go on doing things you don’t like doing.

The only way to become a master of something is to be really with it.

Therefore, it is so important to consider this question: What do I desire?”

This is a phenomenal message…and so true!

Follow your bliss :)

 

(Thanks for sharing, A! :)

March 9, 2013

LIVE YOUR LIFE

True story :)

Great work from Gavin Aung Than over at zenpencils.com!

I think I’ll have to feature more of his art! Good stuff :)

March 9, 2013

CHILL

“At the center of your being you have the answer: you know who you are and what you want.” -Lao-tzu 

You must relax to reach your center. Close your eyes, clear your mind and breathe deeply…and then ask yourself:

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

Next, write it down and go take steps toward that goal. The universe will conspire to make it happen, so choose wisely ;)

Photo source: ultimate chill spot (Maldives)

March 8, 2013

SAGE ADVICE: ANXIOUS HUSBAND

DEAR SAGE: How do you get your wife to slowdown?  My wife has been working 7-day weeks most weeks for a few months. I realize the need to stay on “top of her game,” especially during peak season can create unusual demands; however,  I would like her to get more R & R beyond date night dinner, movies,  etc. Any suggestions that don’t include exotic vacations?

DEAR ANXIOUS HUSBAND: Thank you for your note! It is lovely to have a husband reach out on behalf of his wife! The simple answer to your question, “How do you get your wife to slowdown,” is you can’t. Now, since I know is probably not the golden advice you were expecting, please allow me to elaborate:

Despite the all of the hours she is currently working, there is an underlying force driving her. She may be doing this to “stay on top of her game” as you say; she could be concerned about her job security; or she could be enjoying herself. Sometimes when a person is in the zone and is able to watch their efforts result in progress, there is a unique thrill that is attached. She may not have a clear understanding of what is causing her to work so hard, so probing is not the solution. Your support and positive feedback is what she really needs. You may share different expectations about what is best for her, so you have to relax your expectations. She must feel free to live her life in a way that feels good to her. If she shares what’s really driving her, you must be prepared to listen compassionately and just provide support. I know it can be difficult for a man to hear his wife speak without offering advice, but often women just want to be heard not advised. Let her know that you are confident she will make the right choice and allow her to work it out on her own. (If she asks for your advice, you then have a green light to proceed.)

– Read More –

Newer Posts
Older Posts
Translate »