Mindfulness Mondays 59: Live Before You Die
July 12, 2010 by dr. lam · Leave a Comment
First I was dying to finish high-school and start college. Then I was dying to finish college and start working. Next, I was dying for my children to grow old enough for school, so I could return to work. Finally, I was dying to retire. And now, I am dying 
I love this quote. It helps us to remember that life is for the living. We need to enjoy the ride and not worry so much about our destination because the destination is not that important, really.
Mindfulness Mondays 58: Wagasa
July 5, 2010 by dr. lam · Leave a Comment
I am reading Garr Reynolds’ second book, Presentation Zen: Design, in which he uses the design and execution of Japanese umbrellas, known as wagasas, as a metaphor for good design. He means that good design is based on simplicity that inherently can carry the rich complexity within it. We need to pare away excessive things that get in the way rather than add extra things that seem to be all bells and whistles. I think I can appreciate this metaphor for life. We can learn to let as many unnecessary things go so that we can delve into the simple aspects of our life. By doing so we can explore the rich diversity within that simple framework more powerfully. Think of a wagasa this week as you work to explore more deeply the things you truly treasure and to remove the elements that clutter your life.
Mindfulness Mondays 57: No More Questions
June 28, 2010 by dr. lam · Leave a Comment
Upon meeting a zen master at a social function, a psychiatrist asks him, “How do you help people?”
The zen master replies, “I get them where they can’t ask any more questions.”
The point of this short story is not that we should not ask questions in life. Instead it is that we ask so many questions because those questions reflect in us a lack of trust, belief, and calm. We need to know more and more and more, but we are never satisfied. We need answers to our questions, but we don’t wait for the answers because those answers are not enough to make us happy. When we explore whatever opportunities that exist in front of us we are tied down by the what, what ifs, why nots, etc. that we can’t think straight. When we get to a point of calm and peace, the questions magically disappear.
Mindfulness Mondays 56: The Swordsman & The Tea Master
June 21, 2010 by dr. lam · 4 Comments
The master of the tea ceremony accidentally slighted a soldier. Realizing his mistake, the tea master quickly offered his deepest apologies. The soldier refused to accept it and compelled the tea master into a duel to settle the score. The tea master not knowing how to wield a sword in combat asked a zen master who was gifted with the sword to teach him how to use a sword properly. The zen master said, “You do not need a sword. Just stare at him with deep tranquility and concentration, as you do when you perform your tea ceremony.” The next day, the tea master encountered the swordsmen who shuttered when he looked at the deep tranquility and peace in the tea master’s gaze. The swordsmen apologized and walked away.
Many times we think we need to intimidate someone who is intimidating us. Instead, we can save both of us when we not engage in the fight but remain at a higher plane of peace and tranquility. That level of peace can radiate and change ourselves and all of those around us. Lower your swords.
Mindfulness Mondays 55: The Successor
June 14, 2010 by dr. lam · Leave a Comment
An old zen master was at the end of his life and ready to give up his robes and pass that duty onto one of the monks from the monastery. In order to decide which monk would be a worthy successor, he decided to hold a contest of who could write the most magnificent piece of poetry. One learned monk wrote the most beautiful poem that the old zen master had ever read, and the master was ready to give over to this monk the distinction of being his successor. But then that night, he had a poem shuffled under his door that startled the zen master in its insight, originality, beauty, and majesty but there was no name appended to it. Undertaking an investigation, he found that the person who wrote it was a quiet kitchen rice pounder. All the other monks plotted to kill this rice pounder; but the rice pounder was able to don the robes, escape the monastery, and eventually became renowned as an influential zen master.
This story talks about how we tend to have preconceived notions of who people are based on title and rank. However, when we open our eyes to humanity as humanity we can see the true talent, beauty, and profundity of each person no matter what we originally thought of that person only if we remain open enough to see it.