For the past few years, I have resisted the idea of writing a blog. I could not, in good conscience, pose as a sage or a pundit. I could not imagine that there would be much value or interest in the details of my health, mental or dental. What could I possibly offer on a regular basis that might be of use to someone else? Only attention to the ordinary.
The occasional postings here reflect my deep belief that there is value in taking a few moments, occasionally, to slow down and pay attention to the details of the life that’s right in front of us, right now. We can stop not only to smell the flowers but to notice the function and value of the thorns and perhaps gain a new perspective on what we often curse.
There is a story about a Zen student who goes to his teacher and asks, “What is the way to enlightenment?”. The teacher replies “Attention.” The student nods and then speaks again. “Yes, attention is important but what else is required?” The teacher says, “Attention, attention.” The student starts to feel impatient. With a note of frustration in his voice, he asks the teacher a third time “Yes. I got that. So now what is the secret to attaining enlightenment?” The teacher shouts back, “Attention! Attention! Attention!”. I suggest that the teacher is right- it’s all right here, everything we need to know and understand. We just need to pay attention. I invite you to visit this space often, to join me in paying attention to the ordinary in inner and outer life: work, relationships, landscapes, politics, food and whatever else comes into view.
