This weeks’ topic for reflection is Security-Insecurity. We’re all seeking security and stability, or safety. This need can lead to grasping or holding tight. It’s a need to control in the midst of change like wanting to be an immovable tree in a strong wind. There are either floods or droughts, fires or hurricanes. A new president promising change, oh my. Old age and its changes and the need to let go. There is a lot helping us to feel insecure.
Even though change and loss are inevitable I’ve thought for awhile we are heading into a period of increasing suffering and insecurity. The political choices and climate change choices we have made will worsen this suffering significantly. As individuals and together we have a choice about what we bring and add to this changing situation. Like this immovable tree we can hold on tight and be oppositional against the strong wind. If the wind is strong enough branches can break or the tree can even be uprooted. And so can we. We can find ourself broken or uprooted even when we were not oppositional.
There is a place and way we can find security when the wind blows strong and fierce. We practice this in our meditation, zazen. Sitting upright and open we develop stability and the patience to be present in whatever situation we find ourself in including pain and loss. In zazen the wind of life is free to effect us and is received with curiosity. Zazen offers selfless transparency and choice free of ridged positions. The only actual security in a changing world is being able to honestly see what is and act in a way appropriate to this truth. Just learn to be at home in the midst of change, as change. Be realistic and flexable.
Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, in person zazen at the McNail Riley House Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
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