It was a beautiful ride before sunset. I sat at the bench, observing the tranquil setting of the bay. Water flow slowly from the bay leading inward to a lagoon. Soft wind sway the golden grass in the wetland. A group of seagull flew by peacefully. The water is blue, the sky is clear, the wind is pleasing, the quietness is just what I would call a perfect setting for relaxation.
I am in the moment, absorbed deeply at the current moment. I felt this before. When I am really into what is happening at the moment, whether iit is about work, leisure of even chores, the feeling is hard to described but felt satisfying. Yes, cycling is one of them. Especially on a long ride. The focus on the moment, the care free setting, there is very little other thoughts or worry.
I was reflecting. This is a million dollar view. Being able to enjoy this is a privilege. Isn't this what I want went I retired and become financially secured. Probably in another 10 years. But wait, why do I have to wait. Isn't all here right before my eyes. Sure, I still have to go to work tomorrow. However, why can't I feel the satisfaction as if I am retired and financially secured right now. What is the difference? In fact, even for someone that have to worry about where their food will come today can enjoy the same satisfaction of the setting at that very moment. I realize that the difference is make up in our own mind or dilution. We are what we think, it is so true. We bring all the suffering and worry to ourselves. There is no one to blame.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Expectation of others
I was expecting so kind words after years of distinguish service. I was expecting sincere appreciation and well wishes after being a good boss and mentor of others. Some came and some didn't. I was disappointed, but not bitter.
Having expectation on others is suffering. This is like trying to control something that is out of your control. I realize that just do your part, the area within your control and let it happen. If it come, great. If it does not come, that is fine too. In this case, I would say if the appreciation does not come, I won't be upset, I need to practice being humble anyway. So, without that expectation, I won't suffer. Really, nothing really change with or without the appreciation.
In often see parent that have high expectation for their children suffer. However, this does not mean we do not help and push our children to do their best. We should. However, just do the best we can and let the result land where it may. We have done the part we have control of and let the expectation go.
Having expectation on others is suffering. This is like trying to control something that is out of your control. I realize that just do your part, the area within your control and let it happen. If it come, great. If it does not come, that is fine too. In this case, I would say if the appreciation does not come, I won't be upset, I need to practice being humble anyway. So, without that expectation, I won't suffer. Really, nothing really change with or without the appreciation.
In often see parent that have high expectation for their children suffer. However, this does not mean we do not help and push our children to do their best. We should. However, just do the best we can and let the result land where it may. We have done the part we have control of and let the expectation go.
Letting go
If you let go a little, you get a little peace. If you let go a lot, you get a lot of peace. If you let go completely, your struggle with this world come to an end.
I can understand this intellectually. Putting this into practice is another matter. We want financial security. We want that promotion. We want to take care of our family. We want to send our kids to ivy league college. These are all wants and how do we let go.
Every big change start with small steps. I can not let go of these big things right away. I need financial security and maintain current level of living standard. However, I can let go of other things that is easier. I can let go of anger by being mindful and jump off the wheel of suffering before it is too late. I can let go of jealousy by practicing mudita (finding joy in joy of others). I can practice equiminity and be at peace at every situation. That is a start.
I can understand this intellectually. Putting this into practice is another matter. We want financial security. We want that promotion. We want to take care of our family. We want to send our kids to ivy league college. These are all wants and how do we let go.
Every big change start with small steps. I can not let go of these big things right away. I need financial security and maintain current level of living standard. However, I can let go of other things that is easier. I can let go of anger by being mindful and jump off the wheel of suffering before it is too late. I can let go of jealousy by practicing mudita (finding joy in joy of others). I can practice equiminity and be at peace at every situation. That is a start.
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