Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
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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
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.
Okagesama is the recognition of these forces that are hidden in the shadow of our lives. Self-reflection allows us to see inside the walls and under the skin of our day-to-day existence. We become aware of how we are supported, cared for, and loved even as we send an email, drink a cup of coffee, or take a shower.
The 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 moreThe 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.
These 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.
These are the times when you have to see your life as your practice. Whatever comes up, that’s your practice. If you feel like life is crushing you and you think, “I don’t want to use this as practice – I’m being crushed.” Then working with that thought, that experience, is your practice.
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 Japanese psychiatrist, Shoma Morita, asked us to embrace the concept of Arugamama – meaning to “accept things as they are.” Acceptance is the alternative to control.
Suppose you could start your day with a sense that you were entitled to nothing. Everything, at that point, would truly be received and experienced as a gift.