Living the life you imagine.

Looking out at the world and our place in it, most of us imagine a life different than our own, a life better than our own. We imagine a life in which resources and abilities are more readily available, a life in which we act or do things differently than today. If only I had more time, more energy, more money, then I could or would. Often times, looking out at our life, we see that now is not the right time, but that we can imagine the life we would want to be living and how we would be living it. 

The chasm between the life we imagine and life as it is seems impassable (which is strikingly similar to impossible). The road between here and there is too vague. Not only do we not see the path ahead clearly, but often we do not even know the next best step to take. 

Just start. Start here, start where you are. Start by learning to occupy the life that you live. 

Start on the cushion. Start with the dishes. Start with the cat. 

Start by opening a door. Start by extending a hand. 

Start by listening. Start by smiling. Start with I'm sorry. 

Start by witnessing your own pain and struggles. Start by witness the pain and struggles of others. 

Start by being more tolerant of yourself. Start by being more tolerant of others. 

Just start. Start now, start here, and let the world teach you as you go. 

You can't plan your way into living the life you imagine, you must live into it. In the process you will likely find that the life you imagine is not nearly as precious and full of opportunity as the life you have. 

Not the result you were looking for.

We tend to spend much of our days looking for something, in search of the new, the better. We would like to see an outcome from our efforts. What's all this time and energy worth? What is the practice for?

What if I told you that you already had everything you were looking for? You already have the capacity. You already have full possession of the result that you seek. The goal is already manifest, there is nothing more to do and nothing to be improved upon. 

Chances are you would not believe me. I must be stretching the truth or trying to pull a fast one on you. Surely I am embellishing. 

And what if I am not being deceitful or egregious?

What would you do if what I am telling you is in fact true? 

I honestly don't know what you will do. Personally, I live a life dedicated to practice. 

Practice looks like showing up, taking responsibility, being receptive and available, doing the hard work of being patient and generous and kind. It looks like trying to figure out how I can meaningful contribute and be of service to others. 

And it feels nice, knowing that this is enough. We don't need a big show for our life and our work, it doesn't need to be a spectacle or even remarkable. There doesn't need to be a grand finale, a celebration for the work or even a word of praise for all you have done. 

Simply this is enough.