365 Day Challenge-Day 33 The Great Insight
This is the great insight of Mahayana Buddhism: everyone can become a buddha. What Siddhartha achieved, all of us can also achieve, whether we are a man or a woman, no matter what social class or ethnic group we were born into, or whether we practice as a monastic or as a layperson. We all have the capacity to become a fully enlightened buddha. And while on the path to becoming a fully enlightened buddha, we are all bodhisattvas. Your True Home, Thich Nhat Hanh
I am fairly certain that I am not a fully enlightened buddha. Yet, I like the idea of being a bodhisattva, especially after I read a few definitions. Here is one from Wikipedia: In Buddhism, Bodhisattva is the Sanskrit term for anyone who has generated Bodhicitta, a spontaneous wish and compassionate mind to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
I like the idea of having a compassionate mind about anything, particularly as there is an increased need for compassion in general these days, and I like being a part of the collective good.
This is going to be a busy week for me as I am headed out of town for a conference. I have several projects I want to complete and smaller details that need attention. This is one of those weeks where in the past I might have a tendency to over-schedule myself, give myself a really hard time about not completing the myriad of tasks I set out to do, and collapse in sheer exhaustion once I finally get on the plane. It is going to be different this time. I am clear about what is really and truly a priority for each day AND I am allowing for a few surprises. Yes! Can you imagine? So, in essence I am planning for the unexpected. I am going to welcome spontaneous moments and unforeseen twists in my week.
Why am I inspired to enthusiastically greet uncertainty this week of all weeks when I have so much to do? Spaghetti on the Wall, the journal I created to develop a practice of discernment, has helped me to realize a few things.
#1-I have long considered myself a ‘linear’ type of person and I am not sure if that is accurate.
#2-I like having several different types of projects on my plate and I actually am energized by the intersection of seemingly unrelated projects.
#3-Spontaneity and the unexpected are important ingredients to my personal and professional growth and need not be feared.
#4-Balance does not mean all things are equal or the same. Balance is a verb where I actively acknowledge when certain areas of my life require more of my attention than other for the collective good of all parts of my life.
Are you ready to embrace the unknown, the unforeseen, or the surprise in your day or week? Let me know if I can help, or grab your own copy of SOTW.
In gratitude,
Kristan