Wisdom from the Zen Man

The Zen man that I have been listening to says that you cannot see your unconscious habits, because they're unconscious. The only way that we can get a glimpse of them is when we are projecting them.

I am delighted. I am excited. I am a bit fearful of what I will find.

I am delighted because I know I project.. So much. It feels terrible to judge and to feel these ways about people and to not be able to do much about it. It is so beautiful when the story can change and give purpose to these things. I can learn! I can grow! I am excited to see what is possible.. What will come next?

I am a bit fearful because my projections are so not like who I want to be. I remember how learning hard things about myself before has sent me reeling with depression. I should not fear though, remember, I have a better story now. Also, I have a lot more practice just sitting with and exploring what is. Just sitting is where the insight happens, remember.. Allowing what is to be. There is no need to "figure it out".

And I mustn't forget that I also have the remedies. When I find that there is envy the remedy is Than (and having joy for another). Where there is judgment the remedy is acceptance and compassion. Where I find anger the remedy is loving kindness (for myself and other)

The Zen man also says "Don't talk about other people's faults. Just look at your own self. Take responsibility for your own thoughts and actions and don't blame. Then you can examine yourself in a clear way, even if someone else is wrong"

Oh, and now that reminds me of something else he said. That we must "drive all blames to one". This is when something happens and we are having an unpleasant experience and we can maybe feel the anger rising and the blame start to form, we stop and we look at that. We feel the blame rising up in us and we sit with it, and we swallow the blame so that it doesn't form a thought in our mind or form words in our mouth.

I am so thankful that there is this space and direction to move into where I can learn and grow and take more responsibility for my thoughts and my actions and my experience.