I went for a hike with Betsy on Thursday early in Sabino Canyon, then on Friday, I walked in Hoffman Park, which is right outside the house we are staying in. Today, I cruised the neighborhood checking out the plants in people’s yards. Tucson and its plants are enchanting wonders – gardens look filled with props for an Arizona movie set.
I was listening to a podcast my friend, Kat had recommended with Dan Harris speaking with Brother Chån Pháp Hüu. It was an interesting meditation on burnout and overwhelm. Something that I have recently gone through myself. I have a tendency to go 100 mph and if I keep it up, I burn out. It’s in me to do this, so the smart thing would be to remember to slow my roll, but I’m often not smart when it comes to what I need.
What I loved most as I walked and observed mesmerizing gardens is how the monk spoke directly to me as he reminded me of the five remembrances – I am of the nature to grow old. And in growing old, my already set nature to allow myself to overwhelm, to burn out, to lose my get up and go, is more profound, more noticeable.
I am of the nature to do too much. I am of the nature to forget I have the ability to walk outside and be in nature and lose (and find) myself.
I have the ability to reset by saying the sacred no.
The Five Remembrances:
1) I am of the nature to grow old; there is no way to escape aging.
2) I am of the nature to have ill health; there is no way to escape illness.
3) I am of the nature to die, there is no way to escape death.
4) All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change; there is no way to escape being separated from them.
5) I inherit the results of my actions of body, speech and mind; my actions are my continuation.
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because then I can revisit your comments.]