No New Wreckage

"Wreckage of the past," is something that's common to us all. Each of us has something that we've done that we are not particularly proud of and would like to sweep under the rug. The reality is that, that's not how the "system," works. Once we do something, for better or worse it temporarily gains a life of it's own, until the action is exhausted. It's very much like a ripple effect.

That being said, I have a friend named Stephen who frequently says like a mantra, "My goal today is not to make any new wreckage, for myself." Every time I hear him say this, I say to myself "true, true, true."

In this case, I want to specifically draw attention to the term "Mantra." Most people do not fully understand that it means, "To protect oneself from the negativity of our own mind." The net result is that, if my head is on a slippery slope and I'm in a kind of negative mood, I lean strongly into a mantra, to help me regain my footing. Repeatedly focusing on, "I will make an effort to express harmony, in This moment" can and does redirect my energy so that I'm not out in my life, running people over. Repeating it often, reminds me about the kind of person that I'd prefer to be.

As I move through my day, I frequently focus on living in a way that minimizes the creation of new so-called "wreckage." This is not only for myself, but others as well. That for me comes in a lot of ways. Sometimes it's keeping my mouth shut and letting others come to their own conclusions. Sometimes it's by not complaining. Other times it's being careful, gentle and holding a person or situation like an egg, which is fragile. In other moments it's offering and giving direct support, with a lot of determined effort.

From my personal experience, every scenario requires the same, yet different answer at precisely the same time. Compassion, combined with spontaneous action that harmonizes with the moment, I hear my teacher Genjo Marinello, Osho saying within my mind.

In not making new "wreckage" for ourselves, our life embraces sustainability. On the other hand, if I'm living my life in a way that's unmindful, I am usually doing things that result in undermining and reducing sustainability. This applies on a physical and emotional scale, in a variety of situations.

For this reason, as Stephen says, "My goal today is not to make any new wreckage, for myself." I hope you have the opportunity to do the same.

Namaste'

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO