Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
Gregg Krechamazon.com
Saved by Lael Johnson and
Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
Saved by Lael Johnson and
I remembered this maxim, used by Zen teacher Ezra Bayda, “Not Happening Now.”
Surrender to the music—whatever happens to be playing at the moment. Dance your way through life.
We must learn to approach what we have an aversion to. We must learn to attend to what makes us uncomfortable. We need not avoid what we don’t like, simply because we don’t like it. The first thing to know is that it’s possible to act while having feelings of fear, anxiety, boredom, shyness, disinterest, frustration or any other feeling which accom
... See moreThe alternative is not to kick your feelings out of the play. The alternative is to make them an actor. They have a role to play. Sometimes it’s an important role, and sometimes they function as an “extra.” So now who is the director? Let’s give that job to the Needs of the Situation. You’re taking a walk and spot an empty, dirty beer can. What do
... See moreThese are the elements of our life that are in the shadow, so to see them, we have to look very deeply at our life. We have to see with more than just our eyes.
There’s a Japanese word, okagesama, which is often used conversationally to express thanks. The root of this word, kage, means “shadow.” It acknowledges that there are unseen forces in this world which make our life possible.
Just because we don’t feel loved doesn’t mean we aren’t loved. Just because we don’t feel cared for doesn’t mean we aren’t cared for. We have to look up. We have to look around us and behind us. Sometimes we just have to look right in front of us. Life has not forsaken us. Don’t mistake pain for abandonment.
The maxim, “I Get to . . .” is the antidote to living a reluctant life. I get to walk the dog. I get to wash the dishes. I get to go to the supermarket for food. The phrase I Get to implies that it is a privilege to do such activities – a blessing.
Our bodies have much more capacity and power than we give them credit for. So when you notice that your mind is lazy or uncooperative just put your body in charge for a while. And take your mind along for the ride.