whitesail

The life history of a butterfly is similar to our practice. We have some misconceptions about both, however. We may imagine, for example, that because butterflies are pretty, their life in the cocoon before they emerge is also pretty. We don’t realize all that the worm must go through in order to become a butterfly. Similarly, when we begin to practice, we don’t realize the long and difficult transformation required of us. We have to see through our pursuit of outward things, the false gods of pleasure and security. We have to stop gobbling this and pursuing that in our shortsighted way, and simply relax into the cocoon, into the darkness of the pain that is our life.

Such practice requires years of our lives. Unlike the butterfly, we don’t emerge once and for all.

- Charlotte Joko Beck

I read this today just before my morning meditation and I thought about how true it is, and about how I have been chasing after “the false gods” in my life again. I also have forgotten the sacrifice that is required to undertake the journey of spiritual transformation, instead reaching for the short term pleasure that never fulfills. Being honest, however, I also understand that the little steps I’ve taken recently have led me to this quote, these thoughts and this blog post, so all is not lost.

Back to the basics, is my mantra today. Meditation, reading, exercise/yoga and journalling (aka blogging,) are part of this and I now make a public mention of this, as a step forward. On to the work of emerging……