Ki Moments Blog

Support for life’s “key” moments.

February 1, 2022

this mystery called existence

this mystery called existence

Last month I wrote about my intention to be more patient. I would ask for "just a little more" patience with life, with obstacles, with other people, and in general.

Today I'm being patient with myself. My energy is low, I don't feel like myself, and it's hard not to wish for a different state of being. So I'm just noticing, wondering and writing. As Rumi says in my favorite Rumi poem:

This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

No doubt shortly, like the weather, my state of being will change. Meanwhile, there are practices I can engage in to help me be patient with what is presenting itself now:

  • Gratitude: What am I grateful for today?
  • Service: What one small (or big) thing can I do for someone else?
  • Meditation: Quiet sitting and centering.
  • Listening to Beethoven, The Beatles, an uplifting podcast or entertaining audiobook.

And ... this low energy place is okay. Maybe it's just what my body and mind need right now--sit, write, be.

Rumi again:

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture.

Still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

What if that's true? What new delight might show itself if I'm patient. If I notice and pay attention?

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.*

this mystery called existence

You know, I think I'm feeling a little more energetic. Sitting with the dark thought, the low energy, the questions about "why." Not looking for answers, but being present with the questions. Something changes. I breathe easily, I'm smiling. You should see me.  :-)

Like Aikido, instead of pushing against "what is," I move in. Move with."Grateful for whoever comes."

We have good and bad days. Sometimes happiness and sometimes "a crowd of sorrows" meets us at the door of our guest house. 

I think we're here on this planet to guide each other to the gifts, to help us "be grateful for whoever comes," as difficult as that is sometimes.

We're not here to be right or to win arguments, as good as that feels. We're here to be present with one another, and with ourselves. In this way, we get to experience this mystery we're all exploring and traveling in together called existence. 

Good ki, my friend,

*From: Say I Am You, Poems of Rumi
Translated by John Moyne and Coleman Barks
Maypop 1994

All graphics: Turn Enemies Into Allies, by Judy Ringer

 

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