I so agree that we need to live in the present and accept what is here. When we do that, we experience things more deeply and do not constantly question if this is really meant to be. And, I am off to disinfect from a sick teen and do dishes but will do both with acceptance this morning. :)
Nicki´s last blog ..Connecting Online

We came across the great art image on this article and found it would be perfect as cover art for the study guide we just created for a series of lessons we are starting this Sunday based upon A New Earth. We’re wondering if it’s your image, and we could have your permisssion to print it on our study guide. (not for sale) If it’s not your art work can you tell us whose so we can request permission from them.
Thanks very much…and btw you’re a good writer!
Larry
Rev. Larry Schellink
Unity Center of Davis
Davis, CA

–

In my years living in (rural mountainous) Japan (NOT Tokyo) I was struck by the hard work ethic of everyone, from the Town’s mayor (who happened to be the brother of the Prime Minister) to first grade children. Yet what struck me more was the intensity with which the Japanese lived their lives outside of the office/workplace/school. Whether it be party after party followed by karaoke followed by more party on a Thursday night, tending the family rice paddy, intense games of baseball or Mah-Jong or preparation for the next Town Festival, the Japanese taught me so much about living life in the present–it is necessary to complete one’s responsibilities but it is also necessary to remind ourselves that we are still alive and not mere rats on a wheel.

The Japanese have a saying that is deeply rooted in their Bushido Samurai code: Sho ga nai. It can’t be helped. As a relatively uptight Westerner, I was met with that response with many questions and frustrations I could not immediately reconcile. “Sho ga nai” is what I would be told.

Just let it go. Relax. Live the moment, because fighting the moment will not make Life any easier.

–

Hard to keep that up. No longer teaching at the Uni and working out of my home has definitely made living in the present and embracing our momentary dynamics much easier, and my relationship with my children and my friends is now much less stressed with no more pressures, time limitations, etc. from Above.

It is up to us to carve this into our lives, isn’t it? My double-mantra of Joseph Campbell’s “Follow your bliss” and Jonathan Swift’s “May you live all the days of your life” help remind me to stay on track, but just as justrun says above, mastery is a different issue altogether.

Nice food for thought. Be well, Daddy-o!