When faced with a dreaded undertaking,

imagine storming a castle.

Allow me to begin with a disclaimer—I’ve never stormed a castle. At least not in my current lifetime. And so this truly is a posited metaphor.

I can think of two ways to get into our imaginary castle.

First, a frontal assault. This requires the person-in-charge to draw up the attack plans, procure the needed armaments, and enlist and train the necessary troops.

Overwhelming!

How about that second approach? Entering via an easy-entry back- door that leads to accessible, manageable areas.

Now, let’s apply our metaphor to real life. Storming our “castle” is an undertaking we have been putting off because it requires more effort than we can muster. But tackling a small bit? One that wouldn’t require much effort and would be easier to accomplish? That feels much more doable!

And so, the next time you find yourself procrastinating, break your undertaking down into smaller tasks. Upon completion, you’ll be in a strong position to finish off the rest of the “castle.”

The meditating mind: like a petal floating downward and . . .

We all discriminate.

What matters is what we do next.

Until we awaken, we will continue to act from our sixth consciousness, the mental awareness consciousness that labels. In a flash, it puts in its two-cents worth of discriminatory thoughts and judgments.

In order to stop all such nonsense—and finally, awaken—we need to catch the discriminatory thought as soon as possible and discern the label we just applied. We need to confront these labels that elicit specific unfair, unkind reactions from within us and determine where they come from.

From incorrect thinking, like if others achieve then I lose?

From other wrong thinking involving personal preferences, cultural upbringing, social media?

Perhaps from why we fail to think for ourselves?

From our fears?

Whatever the reasons, we need to find the discriminatory root, recognize it, and realize just how destructive it is. And just how ephemeral all our labels are.

If we were to die today and be reborn tomorrow, our frame of reference for all those labels would change.

So, why attach to something arbitrary and fleeting? Why disdain someone or something, when we could be that person or covet that thing tomorrow. Why judge others when we remain so ignorant?

We do not need to judge others. It’s not our place. Thank goodness for that! We just need to remember that the person we are about to label and discriminate against is just like us. An ignorant, deluded unawakened person trying to end unhappiness and suffering, working to protect loved ones and friends, and, hopefully, endeavoring to live a better day today than was lived yesterday.

That should be enough to keep us focused on our own thoughts and behavior, know what we should think and do, and find a wiser, kinder, and more beneficial way of living.

Sometimes, proving that we’re right . . . (Part 2)