“What is tougher than not getting to eat? Getting food placed infront of you and not allowed to eat!”
During the one-day retreat on last Saturday, 24th September 2011, I mentioned to them during breakfast that not getting to eat is tough, but getting food placed in front of you and not allowed to eat is tougher! I mentioned this as they held their breakfast in hand at 7+am, after morning puja at ~5:30am and an hour of sitting, standing and walking meditation.
During lunch, which for most people, is rather early at 11+am, I asked if they are hungry. They weren’t that hungry yet. And I shared “What’s worse than getting food and not allowed to eat? … Given food when not hungry and required to eat!“.
Life is like that isn’t it. We just don’t quite get what we want.
Sometimes we meet people that we dislike and have to work with them. Sometimes it is the food, sometimes it is the situation … etc. Other times, we meet people we like, but must part too early. Or it is the place, things etc.
Life is sometimes a cruel irony. When you are still in love with the other person and you know that the feelings are mutual, and yet for various reasons, you cannot be together and have to be apart. Life is sometimes like this. Like a half-drunk writer, spinning a cruel heart-wrenching novel.
That’s how life is, as cruel or painful as it is, but whichever way the next chapter is written, is up to us. Some chapters are easier to write while others are tougher. True friends will be there to hold the page while you write. Sometimes they will vet through with you and fill in the little details for you too. But sometimes they will just be there, quietly accompanying you while you write the next chapter, because they want you to be happy. Because sometimes the chapter only allows that. But that does not mean they love you any less, it just means they love you more than their wish to write in your chapter. They love you and wish for you to be happy.
Or you may choose to write a different story line that your friend can join in. Maybe a bit unconventional. Maybe even a bit tough. But if it is worth it, then write this chapter together and support each other through it.
Don’t choose a theme for a chapter because it is easier to write.
Don’t give up on a theme for a chapter because it is tougher to write.
Any story will have people who like or dislike it.
We should decide on the Whys ourselves, and not bog ourselves down with the Hows. We’ll take care of the Hows once we are decided on the Whys.
Those with the Way without the Will will find a different will that is more convenient and be lost in their direction in the end.
Those with the Will without the Way will muster strength from the will, and find a way to fulfill the will!
One should think carefully before writing; a
manuscript that is corrected once too many times can sometimes be difficult to read. Sometimes it may be better to start afresh with your friend on a clean slate. Who knows, maybe in the next chapter they may have a chance to write together with you again. Or maybe if you want them to write in the next line or paragraph, you can tell them too. I’m sure they will be more than happy to join you in your chapter. The important thing is that they want you to be happy, whether you have them writing in the chapter or not.
Your dear friend wants you to be happy. Please be happy. ; ))
So … … ready for the next chapter?