Self-Knowledge and the Weather

Have you ever gotten a charlie horse in your leg? Ow. Or your foot? Ow. Well, that's kind of what happens when we say "no" to life. We all have different ways of saying "no" to life. We all have areas of our lives that we try to push away. And in the long run, it's kind of pointless, all that effort. Our life unfolds the way our life unfolds. At it's most fundamental, we have two options; saying yes to life, or saying no. Yes makes life easier, no makes it harder, like the cramp in your leg is the muscle being harder. I am amazed that we learn to say no, we learn to go the harder way. And we think that it is the only way. Here's a little barometer for you. How do you feel about the weather? Is it too hot, or too cold, or too windy or too bright or too cloudy or too snowy or rainy? Or is it a beautiful day regardless of what's the weather is doing? The weather is something about which we can do nothing but adapt. The weather is neutral and impersonal, but it provides an opportunity to practice our practice every day. If it is your practice to complain about the weather, chances are good that you are complaining about other stuff all the time, too. Complaining about stuff is saying no to life. It makes cramps happen in your emotional and spiritual life. Ow. This behavior is not carved in stone. You can learn to appreciate or accept rather than complain. Start with the weather. Listen to the weather report. Find out who in your area is the most reliable. Do you need to bring along an umbrella or sunscreen? Do you get too hot or too cold? Do you need to address your comfort and take measures to ensure it? Do you need to just relax and accept it? Notice how you feel about the weather. Is it a personal affront? Does it feel like it's out to get you? You can practice not taking things so personally. How do I know it's not personal? Does it feel like the weather is interfering with your plans? Notice if there are other places in your life where things feel like that. Start playing with questions like, Why do things go my way? Are you getting the idea? When we honor the weather, and adapt with joy, we find our own way is easier. Why do I choose the easier, softer way?