Fortifications

How much damage is done by the refusal to steep in our own emotions?  By distracting ourselves from our own body consciousness, we minute by minute lose the opportunity to steady ourselves and navigate the arising feelings, the ghosts of misty voices. As children, we learned to fortify ourselves against these inner visitors which, if met, would strengthen our very breath. Anxiety, overeating, overspending, overlooking the ordinary, over basking in spiritual studies -- these are all fortifications against the common sensibilities of the heart.

It takes the courage of warriors and the attention of the tight rope walker to go beyond. To move, slide back to a child's mind before life had suffering. Bare attention to the smallest details of life is your way out. Drink tea and see its color.  Look at and taste the food you are eating. Look into the eyes of the one with whom you speak.  Do the dishes one drop of soapy water at a time. Notice whether you are phoning this one just so you can quickly get to the other three things you should have done by now.

Hug like it's your last one. Lift your own hand before your eyes and notice the beautiful lines, the size, its strength. Are you really hell bent on racing through your entire life?  The miracle of everyday living is no small thing. If quiet life had a voice instead, it would thunder sweetly.