Does it feels like things are taken from us or that we’re not able to get what we want when things are different than expected? This pandemic life is impacting nearly every one of the 7.87 billion people on this planet, all rather differently depending on our situations. But while this collective common denominator has certainly highlighted our differences, it may have also provided a glimpse into what it means to have a common target to hit and how to work together to reach it. A mix of successes and failures, but that’s how learning goes; at some point it has the potential to add up to a transformative moment, never to be the same again.
Most often, we hear the common goal for every human is happiness. What if we all worked together to hit that target as hard as we’re working to end this pandemic? (But maybe we’re only inspired when something life-threatening is at stake versus something wonderful being possible?) The key that we learn in Yoga and many spiritual practices, is that the target isn’t found in one book or obtained by satisfying the senses. It’s the practice and process of locating the indestructible, ever-present resource within, available to all. And it’s complicated and mysterious on one hand, very accessible on the other. If it weren’t a challenge, then we’d already be there and there wouldn’t be a multi-billion dollar industry working hard to try and help! Happiness and joy are not anything we buy, anything in the news, or anything we lose. It’s within the search that the begins with the body as a vehicle of transportation. And that journey is potentially our biggest collaboration while co-existing on this planet.
I clearly do not have the answers to so many of life’s questions, but I find comfort in my Yoga practice being able to to provide answers to many of my questions. And my teachers that I can hug and the ones I can only read and learn from, like Thich Nhat Hanh, give me a direction to move in that helps each day be filled with optimism and yes, even joy. The ups and downs, the births and deaths of life’s every literal and poetic way will forever exist. So it doesn’t make sense to me to get heavy-minded by thinking why they are a part of life. What does make sense is to begin to recognize that we can develop a different perspective of being, one that uplifts and releases us from life’s bondage, one day at a time.
And for those who don’t have access or perceive they have a way, may it be at least some part of our calling to reach them and share our wealth, the overflow of our own filled cup, whether that be through emotional or material generosity of kindness, love, knowledge, resources, writings, financial support, etc. And that overflow creates a path towards liberation that many saints, sages, Yogis and beautiful beings have shown us with their life.
A special homage to Thich Nhat Hanh for his writings and great humanitarian work as an accessible, humble buddhist who showered the world with his precisely carved words and practical sharing of ancient wisdom. I feel forever blessed by what I learned by reading his books and poems. Favorite books: Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames and Work: How to Find Joy and Meaning in Each Hour of the Day. My favorite poem: Please Call Me By My True Names.
Photo: Thich Nhat Hanh – Spiritual Leader. 1927-2022. Photo Credit: Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism
Let’s stay connected, Marc Mukunda!
