Each Moment in Life
Sojong Reminder from Anam Thubten
Dear Dharma friends,
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Our happiness is determined by our ability to appreciate life in this world, rather than by the circumstances that happen to you or me. These circumstances are transient and changing all of the time, like clouds in the sky. We have little control over them. They are not necessarily just the big events, but include everything that is happening moment to moment. Real freedom lies in our staying strong and grounded when we feel circumstances are about to pull us into an abyss of strong emotions.
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When we’re physically sick or in conflict with someone, we often struggle to appreciate life. Other than that, there are many moments when our hearts are at ease and joyous. Even amidst wretchedness, there are interludes where the beauty of life touches our heart, permits us to smile, and allows us to appreciate simple pleasures like a piece of chocolate, the sound of music, or a hilarious joke that makes us laugh uncontrollably. Underneath all of life’s struggles, we desire most to be in love with life.
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Life is not some kind of singular entity, but instead, each moment that passes is part and parcel of it. The way we can appreciate life is by appreciating each moment, as they will pass quickly. Each moment is precious and can never can be recreated. Therefore, we could train our minds to let go of the mental chatter that often clouds the beauty of life and obstructs our ability to be in the present moment. If we’re eating, such a moment can be turned into a ritual of celebrating life. Some Buddhist teachers encourage us to chew each mouthful 30 times before swallowing. This doesn’t have to be taken literally. The point is to be mindful of what we’re doing, as well as to savor every delight that life is offering us.
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What is familiar sometimes becomes so ordinary that our mind loses interest in it, or we might take it for granted. If we’re living in the middle of a rose garden, we might not realize how enchanting the roses actually are. If the northern lights were to shine all the time, maybe we wouldn't be so amazed by their wonder. Life is full of wonder each day, but most of these wonders are not apparent unless we pay attention. Throughout each day, we could pause to appreciate what we’re experiencing: the color of a flower, the taste of tea, the aliveness of our body’s movement, the warmth of the sun, or whatever may lie in the field of our senses.
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During this Sojong, let me invite each of you to reflect on this simple message. It’s a wonderful time to see where we are on this path and to recognize setbacks as well as progress in the spirit of non-judgment.
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With palms joined,
Anam Thubten
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