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