To Be Resolute

Resolute is one of my favorite words. By definition it means, "Firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and determination." That is a principle that has been really useful in my life, especially when I feel nervous, scared (and scared), overwhelmed, frustrated, doubt myself or others. To be "Resolute," calls me back to my center of gravity.

In my life, I have some really big, big challenges. I don't always have an answer as to how to navigate the challenge or solve the problem, but what I do have is the steady determination to face them. And as I face these challenges, I focus my mind and attention on the key principles that got me here. Compassion, action, respect, empathy and hope.

When I was at Choboji for Spring Sesshin, my sitting place with directly faced out towards a window. What I was able to see, as I sat was a very large tree. During that week, there where times that wind would blow very, very hard. The sky would be dark, grey, cold and forbidding. In fact, the circumstances where at moments so influential that it could touch my mind and emotions, in different ways. But what was interesting is that every single time that happened, at some point the weather would break, the sun peaking out and there the tree was, standing a firm and solid as ever. I had a sense or feeling that no matter what happens, it really will be "a-okay."

When we would go outside and wait for Kinhin (walking meditation), I would look at what allowed this beautiful tree to stand firm. It was it's base (which also stood a white Buddha statue - go figure), it's roots that seemed to be deeply connected to the Earth. This interconnection allowed it to withstand any circumstance (good or bad) and not topple over. And that's when I realized that a part of that resoluteness that I feel is influenced by what I am rooted to, my Family and the Choboji Sangha. As Genjo Marinello Osho sometimes says, "There's no mystery at all. It's right in front of our face."

Whether our circumstance *seem* impossible or easy, "To Be Resolute" is important. To stand firm and rooted within myself and practice, family, Sangha and friends, not allowing myself to get carried away by the circumstances on either side of the coin. In this resoluteness we may come to fully realize our harmony, balance and that we're a-okay.

May Our Life Go Well,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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