A Zen Master asked his student, “Why are you rushing so...what is your hurry?” The student replied, “I am after enlightenment, there is no time to waste.” Said the master, “And how do you know that enlightenment is running on before you, so you need to rush after it? Perhaps it is behind you and all you need is to stand still.”
-- Zen story

Two weeks ago, we wrote about the value of effortless living. This can be a tricky concept to grasp until you’ve actually experienced it and can connect with the feeling.

Karen McPhee* has helped me become more aware of how I unconsciously exert effort through her use of language. In her guided meditations, she uses phrases like these:

• “let attention come to the breath”
• “breath is moving through the body – no effort required”
• “life is breathing”
• “let attention meet …”
• “allow awareness to rest in …”

I’ve also appreciated this suggestion from Thich Nhat Hanh:

“When you are doing the dishes, wash each dish as if you were giving the Baby Buddha a bath.”

How soft, gentle and easy the states of being and doing can be! It’s all about allowing and merging rather than forcing. With this soft and gentle approach, I naturally open more fully to peace, rhythm, beauty and love – all qualities of the soul.

~ Patrice

“There is nothing stronger in the world than gentleness.”
-- Suyin Han

“Let the waters settle
you will see stars and moon
mirrored in your Being.”
-– Rumi

*Karen McPhee supports people in living their best life now at http://www.karenmcphee.com.

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