Just Getting

At times it is beneficial to shift perspective from ourselves and our preferred outcomes to just the happenings that unfold. If we were to leave aside our interpretations and our views and opinions, we might observe that our experiences consist mainly of arisings and ceasings. Everything, from circumstances, environments, mindstates, feelings and perceptions come and go.

Irrespective of our efforts and our emphases, things simply arise, abide for a period and then cease. There is truth in the argument that our inclinations and preferences are at odds with the natural progression of whatever is unfolding. The only way we might be in proper alignment with the chain of happenings that is our existence is to ask for and work with only what we just get.

In the face of the unceasing coming and going or presence or absence that makes up our lives, does it make sense to press for things to be a certain way, not to mention the way we want them to be? It appears that when circumstances are okay, we want them to be better, and when they are difficult, we desire change.

It is not inconceivable to subscribe to the view that action might be meant to prevent or manage pain, and that only. In the absence of too much pain, do we really need to act to modify what might be unfolding? Does that help in any way?

If we were to reflect seriously, it might dawn upon us that the progress we deem so appropriate for ourselves is nothing other than our desire to control that which will simply arise and then cease. As mentioned, preventing or managing pain is prudent, primarily so that we might joyfully work with what we just get.