Where do you stand?
- clearstreamzendo
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
This week’s topic for reflection is where do you stand? We are all unique and we all stand somewhere different in relationship to our changing situation, our backgrounds and what’s important to us.
Let’s start with background. We all have a life story or narrative that influences us. Ever since I was quite young I wanted to get in the game and I felt I was not given the opportunity. The game I wanted to play was whatever my big brothers or adults were doing. I still carry this narrative around as if it’s a monkey on my back. Once again I had a dream about it last night. This narrative involves giving my power to others and becoming a victim without efficacy. I can look at my life and see how this is true and also see that it is not at all true. This is part of my background and it influences how I see myself in the world. We are all influenced by our karma or held past. Please reflect on your background or narrative, if possible without judgement. Then decide if you want to carry it forward or choose to be some other way.
Next reflect on what’s important to you. What kind of person do you want to be? This would be in contrast to seeing someone and feeling, “I don’t want to be like that.” In what ways do you want to get better? What goes along with this is what do you have to offer? This could be a gift that you have. What do you appreciate receiving and giving. This is different for everyone.
Ethical standards are essential in finding our way through difficult complicated situations. They can help us define where we stand, how we want to be in the world and how we see the world. What are the ethical standards you aspire to and return to for guidance?
When things get difficult and confusing we need a core or root to return to for strength and direction. This helps us to be steady and keep moving and is something you can rely on. Many people rely on their religion or close friends for this. What do you have to stand on when things get tough? It’s important to cultivate this before it’s needed.
We never know what will be the result of our actions. However it is important to act. In this moment we always have a choice. Who and how we want to be is one of the most important choices we can make.
Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday 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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