Now that the holidays are passed and ordinary business is resuming, we see an uptick in conflict in the public sphere. What will happen next? Out of all this current turmoil in the political arena, in our domestic conflicts and the wars across the globe, in the spheres of human and environmental health, where are we headed? Who knows. There are infinite conditions roiling. And of course, that’s always true, not just at this time with these dramatic circumstances. Our current media makes us aware of every disaster and outrage………And so much of our thinking, future-thinking, has to do with this question of what’s going to happen, of trying to “know” in advance.
This is one way we handle anxiety – by taking a modicum of control in our thoughts and anticipating disaster or deliverance. We assume that if we know where things are leading, then we can be prepared. But perhaps a better preparation is the one held out by practice. The practice of the present moment – in meditation as well as activity the practice of being grounded in the body and constant in our present moment awareness is sure preparation. When we have our bearings immediately where we are, then we are ready, with full attention, wisdom, caring and energy for whatever comes next. We have the precepts to guide us. And we have the Sangha to support us.
