Work
We see that right livelihood begins in the heart; that the resolution of the question about work in the world is how to work more on ourselves, how to make every action a further opportunity for practice. When we're investigating what right livelihood is, we're no longer meditating only when we're sitting. The meditation encompasses the whole day.
Stephen Levine: A Gradual Awakening
The temp assignment I've had this week has brought this passage into focus for me. At times - quite often in fact - its premise has seemed laughably impractical and idealistic. Occasionally though I can remember not to resist the stress of a new and unfamiliar job. Be with it. Feel it. Breathe it. Take the next necessary action. Then let it go and move on. It is only for today, for now. Yet another opportunity to learn to accept my mistakes, my human imperfections - a difficult lesson, this one.
There have been some bonuses: the possibility of future work; a sense of some things well done; an enjoyable conversation with a colleague; stepping outside at 6.30 pm after a long day and it's still light .....
posted by Mary at 7:20 am
10 Comments:
Yes, absolutely, and beautifully put. It really helps to have someone else put it into words. .
I think the key word may be investigating. Does the process ever end, after all? As much as that is the source of frustration, perhaps it can also be the source of hope, opportunity and joy at least some of the time? ...The stepping back just a moment to look with curiosity at the moment.... All easier said than done, but worth pursuing.
I love the way you describe this — be with it, let it go and move on — and the way you end with lightly holding the positives.
mary, i love your name and i love that you read Stephen Levine. when i ride my california version of your underground, i sometimes look out over the crowded car and imagine the hidden beauty of each life that is shared in that moment in the car... and i am grateful for it all, grateful for you.
Ahhhh, yes it is still light, and so lovely to find the light at the end of a day!
light-yes! nice post.
Light... (o)
Ahem. Are you still rewriting the next entry?
She asked respectfully.
Glad to hear there are some good possibilities there. And yes, wonderful that it's still light later in the day - and getting later! Hang in there. I guess all of life is transition. (mine certainly is)
I really need to jerk my attitude around to be more like yours, Mary!
Thank you all for your encouraging comments.
Snowsparkle and Jezz d'zerts: Welcome, really good to have you here.
Um, Jess, at the moment I am achieving this attitude about 2% of the time ... :-)
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