[Challenging Times] -(24)- Picking and Choosing - Heiku Jaime McLeod

[Jundo]

Dear All,

We turn to this wise essay with news that its author, Heiku Jaime McLeod, will be here as a Guest Teacher at Treeleaf NEXT SUNDAY, January 28th! (EVENT LINK)

In this wise essay she brings home the message that acceptance and equanimity need not mean detachment and uncaring. She also tells stories of open eyed survival.

Heiku's essay starts from page 262. Even if you have not joined in our book readings previously, this one is also highly recommended to all.

For those who do not yet have a copy, I have made a PDF version available here for those waiting for their ordered book, or those unable to afford or obtain the book (second half of the book):https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yQV...usp=share_link

Feel free to jump into the readings and discussion even if you have not read other chapters.

Gassho, Jundo

stlah

[Hōzan]

Enjoyed this essay a lot, and especially her grounded view of practice, very much the same as what is taught around here.
What is the point of Manjushri’s sword if lacking Kannon’s arm to wield it?
Large swings, small swings, near, or far, equally of value.

Gassho, Hōzan (Michael)
Satlah

[Alina]

"Do not like, do not dislike"...

...simply do the next right thing, one step after another, tending to whatever needs to be tended to, letting go of whatever weighs us down.

Alina
ST + LAH

[Onkai]

I was struck that taking things as they come up and handling just the next thing as it comes is more skillful than positive thinking. It makes sense that dealing with reality is better than fantasizing about the future, but I had come to believe in positive thinking. Self help books based on positive thinking abound.

Gassho, Onkai
Sat lah

[Kaitan]

I liked the emphasis of "simply do the next right thing, one step after the other" at the very end. Pretty much summarizes the idea of living this life without dissociating from reality, which can lead to spiritual bypassing.

Gassho

stlah, Kaitan

[Tairin]

Wow! What a great essay. If I was to start quoting passages that spoke to me I would have pretty much quoted the essay in its entirety.


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Alina]

I was struck that taking things as they come up and handling just the next thing as it comes is more skillful than positive thinking. It makes sense that dealing with reality is better than fantasizing about the future, but I had come to believe in positive thinking. Self help books based on positive thinking abound.

I used to believe in it too, until it failed and left me stranded
Lucky for me I learned this in a non-life threatening situation!


Gassho
Alina
stlah

[Koriki]

Yes, the Stockdale Paradox struck a chord in dealing with health issues. On the one hand I do look for new treatments to improve my illness, hoping that maybe someday I will find something that will create a major shift. At the same time I also benefit from assuming that this is probably as good as it's going to get and working on acceptance. I have found that the hope of major improvement with a new treatment only to find that it doesn't work or makes me worse is pretty devestating. And clinging to the hope that someday my function will return to what it used to be is classic Dukkha. OG Dukkha perhaps?


Gassho,
Koriki

s@lah