Is It Real or Memorex?

Consciously or unconsciously there is a choice that is always being made. It's the one that says "Will I be authentic or will I pretend and just get though the moment?" It's impressive (sometimes scary) how many times a day that I have to make the choice, during the day.

There are times when someone asks me for my so-called "professional opinion," but the truth is they don't want my opinion, they want to confirm theirs. If I have the feeling that the person is "sincere," then I will give my honest thoughts, but otherwise I don't. I actively choose to be "Memorex." Why? Because they want to argue and debate with me and didn't really want my ideas in the first place. It's a waste of my time, energy and resources.

In other moments when I'm talking with my someone close to me like my wife, kids, mother, brother or friends, I base my decision in terms of being "Real or Memorex," on "how much conflict am I willing to endure with you and is it really worth it to say anything." I don't know about you but it can be very difficult to figure out which position to take.

Through my Zen training, this is something that is continuing to unfold for me. Daily, I have the opportunity to sit on the black cushion and say "what was that" or "why?" And as I sit and "bake," I come to a better understanding of myself.

Gassho,

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO