Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
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Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
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.
Gregg Krech • Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
The haiku poet, Issa, represents this profound experience in one of his most famous poems: The world of dew is the world of dew. And yet, and yet … He wrote this poem after the funeral of his baby daughter.
Gregg Krech • Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
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.
Gregg Krech • Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
So perhaps we can take a lesson from our friends, the trees, and simply do our best with whatever situation we encounter. The conditions of our lives will always be less than ideal. But just to be planted on this earth for a brief period of time is truly a gift that we should continuously reflect on.
Gregg Krech • Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
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.
Gregg Krech • Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
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.
Gregg Krech • Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
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.
Gregg Krech • Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
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.
Gregg Krech • Tunneling for Sunlight: Twenty-One Maxims of Living Wisdom from Buddhism and Japanese Psychology to Cope with Difficult Times
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
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