Monday Musings: Life As Friend and Teacher

Life is a good teacher and a good friend. Things are always in transition if we could only realize it. Nothing ever sums itself up in the way that we would like to dream about. The off-center, in between state is an ideal situation, a situation in which we don't get caught, and in which we can open our hearts and minds beyond limit.

The spiritual journey involves going beyond hope and fear, stepping into unknown territory, continually moving forward. The most important aspect of being on the spiritual path may be to just keep moving. Usually, when we reach our limit, we feel exactly like Rinpoche's attendants and freeze in terror. Our bodies freeze and so do our minds. Rather than indulge or reject our experience, we can somehow let the energy of the emotion, the quality of what we're feeling pierce us to the heart. This is a noble way to live. It’s the path of compassion — the path of cultivating human bravery and kindheartednes.

— Pema Chödrön, from When Things Fall Apart

I read When Things Fall Apart while in Florida over New Year's (thanks to a recommendation from my teacher and coach Jan Smith). I have been re-reading a chapter each day since returning home. Chödrön's words feel like soul food to me — satisfying, meaty, quenching. I would rank this in my list of the Top 10 of Books that Will Rock Your World (and Change Your Life).

I am loving so much about this book and the clear way Chödrön writes.

I especially love the above line about life being a good teacher and a good friend.

Too often in the last few months I found myself forgetting this, viewing life instead as an "enemy" out to get me.

I like the idea of welcoming whatever life brings me as friendly and teaching.

My intention this week is to look at all I experience — even that which I label "bad" — a friendly to me and offering me something new to learn.

Tell me, how is life being your good friend and teacher today?

P.S. Another piece I am really resonating with Chödrön is her discussion of the Buddhist concept of maitri, about unconditional friendliness toward yourself and feeling at home with your own mind and your own body. Below is a video of an older talk where she discusses this. And click here for a transcript of a talk she gave on the topic. All good stuff. I could use to stop seeing myself as an enemy, too. 

(Direct link to video here.)

Comments

[Swirly]

That book also helped me through the toughest period of my life. Pema's words are a balm. I had one of her quotes tacked to my front door that year and I read it every single day.