When I was asked to write a few paragraphs for the Practice Corner, I watched how conditioning wanted to noodle over the “what.” But luckily, I quickly caught on and decided that I would write about the “how.”
I want to write about how believable it was to some part of me that what I wrote needed to be insightful, good, or right. And how another part of me swooped in to take the reins and use this writing deadline as an opportunity to practice. This super hero part of me grabbed the recorder and asked for help from Life and the Mentor. The guidance was simple and clear, as it always is from Life/Center/the Mentor: “just show up and be as present as you can. Write about your process. Be true to the moment.” Then the Mentor added something else, a little mysterious message: “Don’t forget about the cherry blossom tree.”
So here I am, just showing up. Letting the words drift onto the page like snow from the sky. Like cherry blossoms that burst onto the stage like dancers— en pointe and enchanting. Here I am, trusting that I am enough. Knowing there is no standard to meet. No place to be. Nothing to do. That the only thing to “do” is pay attention to what life is whispering in this moment.
And here is what Life says: that cherry blossom tree outside your window was once a spindly brown twig, barely able to stand on its own. It surprised you with those cotton candy blossoms. They withered, died, fell, blew away. And now today it is full of fresh green leaves. Tomorrow, who knows? Just be that tree: show up, bloom, wither, change, drink in the sun and rains, allow it all. No right way. No right words. Just keep showing up and following Life’s lead. All is well.
Gassho,
Sherry