You’ve probably figured out by now that I am a martial arts nerd. I love the art of combat. Considering that my favorite TV shows are Vikings and Game of Thrones, I suspect that in a former life, I was some sort of thug warrior...with a dragon.
Although not that skilled myself, I like hanging out with folks who are. One day, while engaged in lively conversation comparing various weapons, I asked one of my teachers what his favorite weapon was. Without hesitation he answered, “the one in my hand.”
Oh
What an excellent martial arts lesson. Think Jackie Chan picking up a mop or a shovel or a pool cue and kicking some you know what. We might not always have our nunchuku tucked in our back pocket, or our sword hanging from our belt when the bad guys attack.
But more than that, what a brilliant life lesson. Whatever situation we are faced with, it’s no use wasting time wishing that circumstances were different. It is what it is, right then in the present moment. It is up to us to use what we have.
If, for example, I want to be happy, what good does it do me to think about some ideal situation? I’ll be happy when I’m on vacation, when I get a job, when I retire, when I have kids, when my kids move out, when I have a certain amount of money, when I have even more money, and so forth.
Or I want to awaken, and I know that if I meditate a particular way, read a certain number of books, attend the right workshops, attach myself to the best teacher, and chant my mantra, then surely I will achieve enlightenment someday and live in bliss forevermore. No, I will spend my life chasing illusion.
My teacher’s answer reminds me that all I have in my hand is now, this moment. It’s my favorite.
One who knows enough is enough will always have enough. ~Tao Te Ching
No snark today. Good post- Great lesson.
ReplyDeleteThanks, CW, on both counts!
DeleteWow, what wisdom in this one. I made up my mind many years ago to bloom where I was planted. I plan to be happy no matter what size of home or what we had. In general I have been.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I was just starting to read this and I left to go upstairs and I was thinking about how stressed I was feeling for various reasons. I came back and read the rest of this one and It helped so much. This was a good lesson. The last quote was a great one.
Sending loving thoughts your way and thanks for this post; I needed it right this very moment.
Love and hugs!
I'm so glad I was part of a moment of synchronicity for you, LeAnn. Isn't it great when that happens? Thank you for sharing your own experience of this post.
DeleteExactly how I feel when somewhat asks what is my favorite brand of beer :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, you can relate! Funny!
DeleteLoved this!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynne!
DeleteI like this lesson a lot! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra, and you're welcome!
Delete