“We are one, after all, you and I, together we suffer, together exist and forever will recreate one another.”
―
Pic: JenniferKapala
Hogen, a Chinese Zen teacher, lived alone in a small temple in the country.
One day four travelling monks arrived and asked if they could make a fire on his land to warm themselves.
While they were building the fire, Hogen heard them arguing about subjectivity and objectivity.
He joined them and said, ‘There is a big stone in front of you. Do you consider this stone to be inside or outside your mind?’
One of the monks replied, ‘From the Buddhist viewpoint everything is an objectification of our mind, so I would say that the stone is inside my mind.’
‘Well then’, said Hogen, ‘Your head must feel very heavy if this is a reflection of your mind.’
Ankur Sah
Sometimes when we are in a difficult situation or cannot seem to resolve an issue in a relationship, we can believe that it is the other person that needs to change, and not us.
If this is so, create some space in stillness and ask, ‘Where am I heavy inside?’ or ‘What needs to shift in me, to see this situation or this person more clearly?’
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
So wise, Karen… love this! ❤
Thank you 😊 💕
Where am I heavy inside? THAT is a great question.
The questions open us! 🧐
Hi Karen! Such sage advice!! So many times the struggle we want to feel with others originates in our own soul.
I hope you are well. Happy Holidays…all of them!! Stay safe! ❤
So true Lorrie! Happy holidays to you and your family too. Stay safe 🥰
Thank you for this wisdom Karen 🙏 I recall the first time a therapist asked me nonchalantly “so, how have you contributed to this situation?” It blew my ego mind 😉
A great example Val! 👏 It takes humility for us to reflect on ‘oneness’ and our involvement in in every part of life. Thank you 🙏🏻💕
Wonderful wisdom Karen. There are always two sides to a disagreement.
There is. Thank you Michele 😊👏
Karen, great blog.
Also like the Buddhist humor.
-Alan
Yes me too Alan. So lovely to hear from you. I hope you are well and may you and your family have a peaceful and abundant Christmas this year. 🌲🎄🌲🎄🌈🎄
Thanks Karen. All doing well. And a Blessed Christmas and all good things to you and your family in the New Year!
-Alan
🙏🏻
This is the one thing I always walk away with after reading one of your posts ~ asking a questions to myself and getting an honest answer. This year more than ever it was important to create some space, a little stillness and ask those questions.
It will make for a happier today and tomorrow. Wonderful post, Karen.
Thank you Randall! I do the same after reading your posts! This year has helped me also to stop, look and ask many questions. If we don’t, I guess we continue to do the same things. 🙏🏻
Fabulous questions to open up our thinking. Thank you, Karen.
Thanks again Ali. 💚🌈