Opening to what is

For a good portion of my life I’ve fought with life when it didn’t match with what I wanted. I demanded in my own head that other people change or wanted a situation to be different insisting only then could I be content. In doing this, I created internal tension for myself.

Life is what it is, so are people.

My thinking errors set me up for unhappiness. The only one I have control over is me.

I have found a few books that have helped inspire me on my journey. The one I am re-reading currently for the umpteen time is by Charlotte Joko Beck, Nothing Special Living Zen.

“If we are totally what we are, in every second, we begin to experience life as joy”, Beck says.

I don’t really like it when fall turns to grey dreary days and yet when I look deeper into those grey clouds I see rich shades of color outlines and shadows. And against that darker back ground the orange, red, yellow, green trees are more vibrant and light up the landscape. Without this season change and all it brings I would miss this rich experience.

Whether I like what is happening or not, life goes on either way.

When I remain open, accepting and grateful of all that is, I see so much more in the world around me. This brings contentment and peace for I am connecting to and not separating myself from that which is.

Over time I am learning how to better relax into what is and more about that joy that Ms. Beck speaks of. I keep practicing and I keep learning. Life is full of opportunity for that!

How do you fight with what is?