In each and every moment most folks have an agenda. Sometimes I find myself overly concerned about the many things that seem to need my doing. I think we all know people who are obsessed with their TO DO lists. Sometimes even when I manage to make time to just hang out, I feel uncomfortable because I feel feel the call of the things that could be done. Some folks even feel guilty if they take time to relax.
In PEACE IS EVERY STEP, Master Teacher Thich Nhat Hanh writes, “There is a word in Buddhism that means “wishlessness” or “aimlessness.” The idea is that you do not put something in front of you and run after it, because everything is already here, in yourself. While we practice walking meditation, we do not try to arrive anywhere. If we keep thinking of the future, of what we want to realize we will lose our steps.”
In my daily practice of nonviolence I am learning to practice aimlessness. Today there is the opportunity to drink a cup of tea or eat an apple and remain in the moment, staying present with myself and the experience. In practicing this aimlessness I find that I remember that the peace I seek is within me, it always was, and ever will be. Peace is a choice. Today I choose to relax into peace.
Affirmation:
I AM living and breathing Peace.
