Instead of going head-long into how this year will be oh-so-different from the last, I'm keeping it real. We are always in flux, manifesting and changing our S/selves and our world every single day just by being alive. The radical shift of "new year, new you" is simply unnecessary to make wonderful, even miraculous, things happen in your life. Instead, I propose that we start noticing what and where we are, how we can contribute to the greater good, and muffle the noise.
This past year I have been working with a trio of zen tenets, or teachings, (not the Three Tenors, although they also bring me joy) which have enriched my life and given me much peace that I wish to share with you. If you're not familiar with zen, it is an experience of ultimate reality which defies explanation, therefore, any words given to describe it here are empty of the actual practice. Therefore, let the practical applications of these teachings suffice to lead you toward your own heart-centered, zen experience.
These three tenets, developed by American Buddhist teacher, Roshi Bernie Glassman, distilled Buddhist teachings into lay terms that a person of any background could understand and put into practice. They are Not-Knowing, Bearing Witness, and Taking Action.
"Not Knowing" means that it's not only okay to say "I don't know," it's also quite liberating to not need to know everything. It's a way to give yourself space between noticing a problem, and deciding what level of involvement is necessary to solve it as things develop naturally. Oftentimes, a mindset of Not-Knowing will resolve a problem simply by allowing it the space to arise, develop, and resolve in its own time.
To "Bear Witness" means to sit with what is. It involves an open-mindedness of compassion and change. Bearing Witness is a manifestation of patience when faced with the suffering of others, and of communion when in the presence of joy. Empaths, or intuitive-feeling people, often have issues with managing feelings that arise from being around others with strong emotions. (If you have issues with managing feelings that arise from Bearing Witness, I offer a Video Class on Energy Management Skills that I will also be teaching in person on February 15th. Scroll down for details.)
I have amended the third tenet as "Taking Right Action." Right Action is the fourth limb on the Buddhist Eight-fold Path (also called the Dharma Wheel) which asks us to refrain from harming others, avoiding misconduct that would contribute to such, and taking responsibility for our actions. It only makes sense that the tenet of Taking Action would include consideration of what we feel is "right."
Regarding this, Roshi Bernie said: "It is impossible to predict what the action in any situation will be, or the timetable for when it will arise, or what might result from it. The underlying intention is that the action that arises be a caring action, which serves everyone and everything, including yourself, in the whole situation."
If you'd like specific guidance toward a more peaceful, healthful, and balanced life, I'm here to bear witness to whatever you might be going through at the moment and provide you with healing tools to feel zen again.
Bearing witness,
Kristen
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