Say "Yes!" to Life
Dear friends,
The phrase "Say yes! to life" is one I try hard to live by. We spend so much time resisting reality, arguing in our heads, resenting circumstances, and wishing things were different.
It is not that we should passively accept everything that happens. We should most assuredly not! I am speaking about what happens in our hearts.
The idea of saying "yes" is to be open to what comes before us. It is an attitude worth cultivating. We all want to know what is best for us and for others; what path we should walk; what steps we ought to take next. We want to hear the quiet voice within that knows what's best. But we walk around with our fingers in our ears (or just as bad: an iPod blasting music), and then wonder why we don't "hear".
The habit of rejection is deep. As soon as something challenges a preconceived notion, our immediate response is an inner "no". It's not fair, it shouldn't have happened, if they don't agree they must have misunderstood me, etc.
A much better inner response is, "Now that's interesting. I never would have thought that... or done it that way... or said that."
If we cultivate an attitude of "yes" and an open heart, even when we ultimately have to say no, it is done with the right spirit, and is not really a rejection of anything.
The last thought is not to wait for a major event to practice. Practice in the little ways. We learn to lift 100-pound weights by starting with 10- and 20-pound weights. Then when the large weight shows up we have built enough muscles to deal with it. Accepting only slightly challenging ideas and realities builds muscles for when it really matters. Peace is found in acceptance. And then once calm and centered, fight if need be, or move whatever mountains need to be moved.
May we practice an attitude of "what comes of its own, let it come". Then with an open and calm heart, we can best choose what is right for us and others.
Blessings,
David G., manager
For the staff at East West