Intensely Practical, Intensely Zen
June 18, 2012 § 15 Comments
For many of us, self-forgiveness is the greatest challenge. We look back and see our mistakes. We can’t believe we were so stupid, so lazy, such a fool, so unworthy.
We often manifest that self-judgment by crappy behavior towards others- projecting arrogance, dealing out harsh judgments. On the surface, this crappy behavior seems the antithesis of self-doubt. But that arrogance and those harsh judgments are all born from our own self-loathing.
The great and wondrous thing about staying in the present moment is that it frees us from this pointless and corrosive way of being. Whatever we did, or failed to do, before is gone. All we have is this moment. In this way we cut off the oxygen of our self-judgment and all the negativity it spawns.
Many people think the Zen and Tao lessons are just fuzzy New Age mumbo-jumbo. That’s wrong.
Try this. Be self aware and the next time you start to beat yourself up over what you did or didn’t do, just stop. Exhale. Reboot. Recall that each moment is a fresh start. Feel the freedom, feel the strength return.
It’s a glorious thing.
Intensely practical, intensely Zen.
only here only now 
If only everyone could do this. I suppose just beginning with myself is all I can do, and that is enough. I love your succinct yet practical way of summing up the Tao. Wisdom filters in through many sources, but one needs to hear the right messenger.
Thanks. Succinct and practical is what I am trying to do. I appreciate your kind support.
Wonderful post! I absolutely love the concept of being in the moment… and it truly does help. I have learned quite a lot by putting this to practice. Thank you for the reminder. ♥
Thanks for the read and the kind comment.
I think one of the most important things we can dow for our growth and wellbeing is forgiving ourselves regularly. Good post
I really do believe this too. Thanks for the read and the comment.
blessings tom, the moment is the only time we actually have!
Yes, only here, only now. You are so kind to take the time to read and comment. Thanks.
thank you for sharing
Thanks for coming by. Visited your fascinating blog as well and will be happily following your art and words.
This is so good, Thomas, I especially relate to this: Many people think the Zen and Tao lessons are just fuzzy New Age mumbo-jumbo. That’s wrong. I relate to this because when I started projectwhitespace, my mother asked me, “that’s not some new age thing, is it?” To her, new age is anti-Christian (which she is, and so am I), but to me, it’s all a part of the same message. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, because even though I follow you via wordpress, I hadn’t seen your posts in my reader and I wanted to visit your blog, I couldn’t remember the name of it. I am going to have to subscribe by email so I don’t miss out on anymore.
Bethany, thanks so much. When you take the time to read my posts and leave your thoughtful comment, it means so much to me.
That’s so nice of you to say. I’ve got your posts coming to my email now, so I am excited to become a regular visitor. 🙂
Thank you for this post Tom… it is exactly what I needed today. I am struggling with having unintentionally caused someone pain and it truly is hurting my heart. Thank you for the reminder to forgive myself and move forward by simply doing better.
Jennifer, I’m so glad that the words might be of some help. Your own writing has often brought me strength. Thanks. Tom