Seeds of Insight 017 - Maybe
Dear You,
Last week’s Mindfulness teacher training in Oxford reminded me of a beautiful Taoist story about equanimity.
“An old farmer had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbours came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically. “Maybe,” the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbours exclaimed. “Maybe,” replied the old man.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbours again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. “Maybe,” answered the farmer.
The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbours congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “Maybe,” said the farmer. ”
It seems to me that true equanimity - that ability to say ‘Maybe’ and let go of our perceived control over circumstances - comes with the understanding that we are not in charge. Life isn’t always the way we wish it to be and the more we hold on to our desired set of circumstances, the more we suffer. It is the Buddhist way and it is a difficult one.
There is however another aspect to it - perhaps a more Tantric one. True equanimity also comes with an understanding that all circumstances, even the most challenging ones, come from a place of Love, mystery, universal intelligence or whatever word resonates with you. Often, what we perceive to be the worst periods in our lives turn out to be the biggest blessings in time. Life presents us with lessons that we need to learn and in this process of learning, we open up more, we let go of more, we release control more. We embrace parts of ourselves that we have disowned and gain true integrity.
It is a challenge and a holy path for me (and likely a dream for my partner) to remind myself of this truth in my most hysterical moments. Amen.
With Love,
Iri
Upcoming
Courses
MEANING:FULL: September 2, @Studio Soma, Stoke Newington. Find your inner purpose & build a life in service of it. My dear soul sister Nadia and I will combine yoga, meditation, deep relaxation, journalling and self-inquiry in 4 weeks dedicated to you! Come and give yourself a present, ask yourself uncomfortable questions, make the changes to your life that you SO deserve.
Yoga classes this week
Soulful Thursdays @ Studio Soma, Stoke Newington. 7pm, Thursday
Rooftop Flow @ our home, Stoke Newington, 11am Saturday
Mindfulness
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