A message from the Rector
Last night, our book club discussed Thich Nhat Hanh's Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet. This book was chock-full of good disciplines to undertake for a more mindful, peaceful life. One in particular was a group of five remembrances that seemed to me to be particularly Lenten:
1. I am of the nature to grow old, I cannot escape old age.
2. I am of the nature to get sick, I cannot escape sickness.
3. I am of the nature to die, I cannot escape death.
4. All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.
5. I inherit the results of my actions of body, speech, and mind. My actions are my continuation.
As we discussed, the sentiment was shared that repeating these remembrances, far from leaving one feeling bleak and depressed, gave the sense of being grounded and understanding in one's own life and limitations.
So much of our world is built around the goals of denying and avoiding age or change or sickness or death. So much of our mental space is taken up by the arguments and justifications for our actions, the judgment of others, to avoid our own responsibilities. If we were able to let go of these fruitless avoidances, what could we be freed to do? Who could we be freed to become?
Blessings to you as you continue your Lenten journey,
Amber
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