Living With Uncertainty.

#WednesdayWisdom

We like to believe that everything is certain. We cling to that belief then, when things don’t go as we planned or in line with our desires, we get all bent out of shape. We suffer. If we reflect upon who or what is causing the suffering, it is always us, we are doing it to ourselves. Despite what we might like to think, no-one is sitting around planning changes with the sole intention of destroying our peace of mind. We do that all by ourselves.

If we can train ourselves to see our likes and dislikes as having ‘equal value’ we can begin to practice remaining equanimous when something happens. We don’t have to react wildly one way or the other. When we can do this it shows that we are inclining towards wisdom and peaceful acceptance.

• Practice: Watch your mind. How far does it move when confronted by objects and impressions which don’t suit you or go along with your wishes? This is where we need to focus our energy. This is where there is still work to be done.

“All the teachings in this world can be contained in this one teaching: aniccaṃ. Think about it. I’ve searched for over forty years as a monk and this is all I could find. That and patient endurance. This is how to approach the Buddha’s teaching — aniccaṃ: it’s all uncertain. No matter how sure the mind wants to be, just tell it, ‘Not sure!’” — Ajahn Chah

May this teaching lead you to happiness; may it help you grow in truth. May you be freed from the suffering of birth and death.

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