Times of crisis 6 - For the worry

It is natural, even healthy, to worry at a time of crisis, but if we let our proliferating mind do the worrying it will never end. Instead we have to be willing to pick up the issues with our conscious present moment mind. Then our worry can become caring. In order to do this there has to be some acceptance of the situation. We have to accept that it is our karma as human beings to have to face such times. The world is bigger than we are.

And this caring or caution need not feel bad, like a straight-jacket. Caution can feel good. To feel in control of ourselves is to feel outwardly calm and composed, dignified. As monastics we keep very many rules. If our attitude is right this does not make us feel oppressed but free; we gain an inner freedom, freedom where we really are, where we really live. We gain freedom from desire. It is desire and its resultant attachment that really enslaves us, not benevolent rules.

I offer this for your reflection

Ajahn Kalyāno
http://www.openthesky.co.uk
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