The Heart of Winter
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:18AM Nearly every morning, I have a picture that I look at that one of my friends, Daiki Edward Cadman had sent me. It is from Rohatsu Sesshin held by Choboji. In his picture the tree is partially covered with snow, overlooking a large body of water. In the background is mist or fog, so you cannot see what's behind. In the picture, I find it interesting that near the main body of the tree, there are leaves that are clearly flowering, despite the snow and the harsh elements of cold and mist.
As I look at the tree jutting up from the ground, I am learning from it. The lesson for me is that even in the heart of our personal winter's, we can more than survive our circumstances and the elements that we are exposed too. There are moments when it might seem difficult, if not impossible, to make it through some so-called "situation." But it can be useful to remember that times like that are but a moment (in time) that will pass onward. It is truly, not forever.
Even in our tightest moment we can still flower, but we will have to do a couple of things. The first is not give up on ourselves. If we don't have a notion or idea that we are of value, things are far more difficult that usual. The second important element is to have a practice. As I have said many times before, Zen just seems logical to me. But for you perhaps it's drawing or writing or something else that you us to "Unify," Yourself. Whatever it is, do that! Third, don't isolate or shut ourselves off. Everything is interconnected and when we can really appreciate this, we can sometimes experience how even the smallest things can make an incredibly big difference.
If we "Continue On," as my teacher often says, even in the so-called "Heart of Winter," we will find a Way to bloom.
Namaste'
Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO
Reader Comments (2)
I stop in nearly every weekday, though I've never left any comments....today though, I feel like I need to start reaching out - if only in little ways like this - if I am to get through my own "heart of winter". Your posts have truly helped me, over the last 6 months or so, to not get too lost, too isolated, or too far from the right path as I work to unify myself during a particularly challenging time in my life. Thank you.
The fact that you stop by, visiting and now reaching is a positive act. Remember, some actions seem small but the ripple effect can be very powerful, in the end.
Thank you for sharing something of yourself, with all of us. That is what a community is all about.
P.S.: Your welcome. Now is the time to "Pass It On." ~Happiness