| According to Eastern tradition there are | | | | interpret what comes at me is a reflection of |
| three treasures on the pathway to | | | | what is in me." When faced with a situation |
| enlightenment: simplicity, patience and | | | | requiring patience ask yourself: Am I casting |
| compassion. At first glance, such simple | | | | a positive image? |
| ideas. Yet after contemplation one easily | | | | |
| recognizes: it's these basic thoughts, when | | | | In this framework, more of my favorite wisdom |
| woven into our day, that can lead each of us | | | | comes from author Richard Carlson in his new |
| to a contemplative, peaceful and more | | | | book: Easier Than You Think. In it he |
| fulfilling life. | | | | explains, when we are with someone, we should |
| | | | make every effort to pay expert attention to |
| In this short article then, I invite you to | | | | that person. This engages them and often can |
| take a page from Eastern religion: explore | | | | diffuse a stressful situation by simply |
| the three treasures and become aware of your | | | | making them feel important. With this in |
| relationship to them. | | | | mind, the next time you engage in |
| | | | conversation or even a casual chat with |
| Simplicity | | | | someone: ask yourself if you are creating a |
| | | | role model's image. |
| The first treasure: simplicity. Simplicity in | | | | |
| thought and action. According to author | | | | Compassion |
| Thomas Cleary in his translation of Taoist | | | | |
| Meditation, simplicity leads the seeker on | | | | Compassion, the third treasure. I often liken |
| the Way. Simplicity of thought, he tells us, | | | | it to empathy. Although we cannot always know |
| can often be brought about by silence. And in | | | | directly what it is like to be another, we |
| the silence, we gain personal wisdom. If | | | | can value everyone's need to be heard. |
| finding 10 or 20 minutes each day to rest | | | | Conflict or anger is often a cry for help. We |
| quietly or meditate could bring you closer to | | | | simply need to be aware of our circumstances |
| peace, would you be more conscientious in | | | | in effort to create compassion in our lives. |
| devoting this time? | | | | We will be called to help others as we become |
| | | | more enlightened vessels of peace. Events |
| Simplicity of action, however, feels a | | | | will come to us as a reflection of what we |
| greater challenge. It involves priorities and | | | | need to heal in ourselves. |
| discovering what is truly important. Here's | | | | |
| how I personally handle this: When I feel | | | | Thomas Cleary reminds us we should always act |
| overwhelmed by my "to-do list" I create a | | | | in sincerity. In Taoist Meditation he writes: |
| game by challenging myself to let go of | | | | "to choose what is good and hold onto it |
| everything I can do without. Then, I remove | | | | firmly is a matter of sincerity." Compassion, |
| as many things as I can from my list. What I | | | | as well, challenges us to define what is most |
| am left with are those items of greatest | | | | important to us; a reoccurring theme |
| importance. I devote as much time necessary | | | | throughout the three treasures. To me, this |
| to completing each task with joy and | | | | involves being awake and aware in our lives |
| precision. | | | | to see the ways in which we are available to |
| | | | give sincerity and service. |
| Try it now. What can you remove from the task | | | | |
| list today that could bring you closer to | | | | Today, be aware of the ways spirit is working |
| simplifying your life? What will you place | | | | through you. Remember: You are the vessel of |
| your attention on? | | | | peace for others and the world. I believe, |
| | | | the more we become vulnerable to trust and |
| Patience | | | | open ourselves to sincerity, the more we can |
| | | | allow compassionate behavior into our lives |
| Treasure number two: patience. Yes, the | | | | and become enlightened each and every day. |
| virtue. And just like simplicity, it is also | | | | |
| a challenge to move slowly through tasks | | | | In Conclusion: |
| until they have been completed or to remain | | | | |
| calm when dealing with someone outrageous. | | | | It is my wish these positive ideas enhance |
| I've found that we are often mirror images of | | | | your life and bring you peace. Be conscious |
| others and attract to us parts of ourselves. | | | | every day of the messages you are receiving, |
| This is important to note as it could | | | | the people you meet, your experiences. It is |
| manifest positive or negative events, | | | | amazing the way these simple ideas can enrich |
| depending on mindset. In this light, Inalya | | | | your life exponentially. Go forth then, and |
| Vanzant reminds us to keep thoughts pure. She | | | | be aware. Place your attention on the three |
| tells us to remind ourselves: "I will gain | | | | treasures: in the darkness they will bring |
| more understanding when I realize... how I | | | | you light. |