Pema Chödrön shares a story about one of the first lessons from one of her first teachers. He said:
“I don’t know why you came here, but I want to tell you right now that the basis of this whole teaching is that you’re never going to get it all together.”
She said hearing this was like a slap in the face or cold water being poured over her head. Never? Never going to get it all together? What’s the point? Indeed.
We think having it all together is what we’re here to accomplish. When I have enough, know enough, understand enough, study enough. When I am finally brave enough, loving enough, successful enough. When I give enough, practice meditation enough, try hard enough. Well, then the path will be smooth. I finally will be at ease. Exhausting!
That’s not what happens on the spiritual path. The path is the path. It brings all sorts of challenges and obstacles. The thing that changes is me. I change. I change when I let go of the illusion of ‘getting it all together’.
- What about just being with whatever is happening, however I am?
- What about resting instead of searching?
- What about asking for help and then receiving it gratefully?
- What about giving up the need to control?
The point is this: live what is in front of you the best you can. The path is the way.
Enough said
Paula
