That’s life. A hurdling race.
Now let’s stop trying to destroy the hurdle(s) ahead of us with the bazooka of anger and wanting things be different than what they already are (let alone becoming despondent and give up before the race has even started)…
But rather:
Know the truth: what is the problem? what causes it? can it be solved? what solves it? what do I do to get it solved? how do I do that?
Then, it is a matter of running (practice) towards the hurdle with all your might, and then jumping as high as you can so that you go over and beyond it and land safely on the other side - and then you are free!
The practice involves countless various practices, but one of the first is having total 100% unconditional love for yourself no matter who you are or what you have done or what you think of yourself or what others think of you.
That is, in fact, the first hurdle, and you can’t jump over the other ones without overcoming your lack of self-cooperation, lack of self-love, lack of self-worth, lack of self-esteem, lack of self-protection, lack of self-confidence, etc.
Then, you can help others in a more productive way, and develop other crucial practices such as heedfulness and care; letting go, making peace, contentment and acceptance; proper moral conduct: doing what is right, performing virtuous actions for others and never doing what is wrong or bad; love, kindness, compassion, caring, respect, gratitude and empathy; generosity, patience, forgiveness; humility, dignity; earnestness but also a bit of lightheartedness and humour; effort and energy (the actual running part), courage, confidence, faith, a positive attitude, desire and enthusiasm to do good; awareness and mindfulness; concentration, stillness and calm; and higher wisdom, understanding and insight into the true nature of life and reality.
Important supporting conditions are associating with people who are wise and good, studying and learning about what life really is, and self-discipline.
Once you jump over one obstacle, you go for the next one, and then the next, and the one after it… until you cross the finish line, all the while keeping in mind you will jump over some and fail others.
But it’s not just your race. All of us are hurdling. So if someone stumbles, you stop, and you help them out. We don’t compete - we help each other out.
Until all of us cross the finish line and escape all of suffering where we shall win - together - the gold medal of peace, happiness, freedom, bliss and joy – each to their absolute extent: 100%. No more pain.
That’s life. A hurdling race.
Yes!! A hurdle!!!
Prepare. Run… aaaaaaaaaand JUMP!
…
Stephen K.
Manchester
23 December 2016