Our moment to moment lives are made up of the little things, unfolding along as we go. When we are relaxed and at peace with ourselves, the little things get the attention that they need. Cooking a meal, listening to a child, bathing the dog, greeting an aged neighbor or the person who delivers the mail, this is the stuff that our lives are made of. This is the vitality of a life lived wholeheartedly. The humility that comes with spiritual practice when we are free of ambition and high falutin’ ideas about spirituality, allows us to respect all beings, our own self, and any tasks that we undertake. All are worthy of respect. All states of mind can be regarded with curiosity and care. We learn from them by turning towards them and making room for them. When we are rushing through the day with ideas about what is important and what isn’t, we overlook the worthiness of a portion of life. We create stress in the process, for ourselves and for others. The habit of always placing something extra on top of what is, weighs upon the moment. Perhaps slowing down just a bit and respecting whatever comes forward, allowing it its due, would release us from the hold of agendas that do not serve our well-being and that of the world.
