Tag wisdom

Once you got it don’t look back

Adam 1 Comment

When I was young, about 20 years old, I wanted to try something different. Although I was raised Roman Catholic, I went to see a psychic. I was scared, but I said, “Maybe he can help me.” Really, I wanted to see if it was true—to see if they could predict the future or tell me information that I didn’t know.

Although it was vague and didn’t really impress me, there was something that I remember to this day. He said, “I’m going to give you something so you can have anything you want in life. But once you get it, don’t look back.”

I really didn’t understand what that meant and didn’t really think about it until today. While browsing through the bookstore, I saw a book that said, “Don’t look back; you’ll trip over.”

How many times do we look back in life and think about what could have been and how our life could have turned out differently? Had we made this one decision differently or realized something sooner?

But what if we accept things as they are—the good, the bad, and the ugly? We truly would realize we are already rich and successful. We might not have as much money as Elon Musk or be as successful as Hulk Hogan, but that’s comparing, and comparison is the thief of joy.

So stop regretting, accept that what you have is already enough, and once you’ve got it, don’t look back.

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The Path of Authentic Zen

Adam Leave a comment

I discovered Zen in 2008. I had just finished school, and I was stressing out. I needed a way to relax. From the movies I saw on TV, I thought, why not try martial arts? I looked up a nearby temple and decided to visit.

The Zen Buddhism philosophy is impressive. It is viewed as a way of life. The main point is to stay in the moment. If you are walking, walk if you are reading a book. Just focus on the words that are in front of you. That is Zen in a nutshell.

However, the practice is viewed as challenging by many. Although Zen says don’t make it difficult or easy, focus on the moment. How is this done, many might ask? Simple every time a thought comes to your head, dismiss it or watch it go by like a cloud.

There is formal and informal practice. Formal practice is sitting on a meditation cushion and practicing meditation, otherwise known as clearing the mind.

Meditation is unique. It can be effortless or tough. There are days when it is easy. It was usually the days I wasn’t thinking about anything, and nothing was bothering me. Over the years, I noticed my life becoming uncluttered and having a purpose.

There is also the spiritual study of zen buddhism. The eightfold path to Nirvana includes eight steps they are Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

It helped with a lot of conflict at work and in life. The study of wisdom allowed me to see things clearer and with a better perspective. The zen Buddhist path is a simple path that will leave one mystified and impressed. Looking back, it was the right choice for my spiritual needs. And it left me more fulfilled and relaxed about life.