Day 3,798

Growth:

The acceptance of what is, a trait to be cultivated and grown. In The Snow Leopard this exchange really gets at the heart of the matter:

“The Lama of the Crystal Monastery appears to be a very happy man, and yet I wonder how he feels about his isolation in the silences of Tsakang, which he has not left in eight years now and, because of his legs, may never leave again. Since Jang-bu seems uncomfortable with the Lama or with himself or perhaps with us, I tell him not to inquire on this point if it seems to him impertinent, but after a moment Jang-bu does so. And this holy man of great directness and simplicity, big white teeth shining, laughs out loud in an infectious way at Jang-bu’s question. Indicating his twisted legs without a trace of self-pity or bitterness, as if they belonged to all of us, he casts his arms wide to the sky and the snow mountains, the high sun and dancing sheep, and cries, “Of course I am happy here! It’s wonderful! Especially when I have no choice!”

In its wholehearted acceptance of what is, this is just what Soen Roshi might have said: I feel as if he had struck me in the chest. I thank him, bow, go softly down the mountain: under my parka, the folded prayer flag glows. Butter tea and wind pictures, the Crystal Mountain, and blue sheep dancing on the snow—it’s quite enough!

Have you seen the snow leopard?

No! Isn’t that wonderful?”

~ Peter Matthiessen, The Snow Leopard

Appreciation:

I’ve been fortunate to have many positive influences in my life, people who’ve helped to change my perspective, challenged my thinking, and have led to so much more growth than I would have been capable of on my own. These guides have been present throughout all stages of my life, leading me from above / below / within, and often seem to appear when not expected or just as likely when I’m realizing I’m in need of guidance. They’ve led me to both joy and discomfort, they’ve built up my confidence and humbled me. Throughout they’ve always helped me. Tonight I’m grateful for each and every single one of them for their coaching, their patience, and the positive impact they’ve had on me.

Presence:

The snow this morning in La Crosse was ridiculous!!! Becky and I swapped out our morning run for a walking in the snow slog in the 10+” of fresh packy snow – pretty sure I burned more calories than the run normally would! There was a peace to be found in the stillness, a quiet calm, an opportunity to talk without distraction. So calming in it’s own special shaken snow globe kind of way.

Thanks!!!