Trusting the Way
In the mailbox this Friday, the first day in 2022 April. No foolin’ …
...trust, means that we usually have to let go of our attachments...all of which are passing away anyway. Learning to ‘“let go” develops an increasing tolerance for ambiguity. With that comes, however slowly, a recognition that it is only the small “s” self that needs certitude or perfect order all the time. The large “S” Self is perfectly at home in the River of Mystery, always creating, flowing, in, through and sustaining us. – after Fr. Richard Rohr.
Swimming in the currents of the Watercourse Way requires a certain kind of discipline, often quite different for each of us. Forms of discipline are to be found in traditional (and not so traditional) sources. Many are in spiritual sources. Regardless, the essence of them is an understanding of oneself and others. When we do not know ourselves, all sorts of negatives arise—most notably are ego fixation, frustration, fear and aggression. – after Chögyam Trungpa
Pema Chödrön offers one such “discipline” with this simple formula:
In the morning when you wake up, consider the day ahead and aspire to use it to keep a wide-open heart and mind. At the end of the day, before going to sleep, think over what you have done. If you fulfilled your aspiration, even once, rejoice in that. If you went against your aspiration, rejoice that you are able to see what you did and are no longer living in that ignorance. This way you will be inspired to go forward with increasing clarity, confidence, and compassion in the days that follow.