I have recently come to realize that my practice can be equated to a child learning to tie their own shoes.
If you can’t remember what that was like, just watch a Mom or Dad teaching their little one and it will all come back to you.
But to tie our shoes now as adults, I hardly think any of us has to put much thought or effort into doing it.
I talk here a lot about the dhamma, letting go of the self, not having ego, and being an observer. But I am constantly aware that I am often missing all of these in my moment to moment existence. How easily I can slip back into the ego, like one would a broken-in house slipper. But to be mindful and actually walk the walk, I must pay attention to tying my shoes. And if I don’t, then just like shoes that are poorly tied, I will trip over my own feet.
This practice is a learning process, and one that requires patience and determination. But I think that each time I try and then stumble, is also a sign of my progress. And it helps me to think of it like learning to tie my shoes. This takes a lot of practice every day.
I am still a youngster in the dhamma. And like a child, I am often frustrated at what seems to be a lack of progress. But I see also that each time I do tie my shoes correctly that I am so happy and peaceful.
I think the point I am trying to make here, is that we should all be patient with ourselves and see the joy in our progress; even our lack of progress. It may be coming along slowly, but as Bhante says, “Slowly is Holy”.
There are lessons in each moment, and the more any of us practice and remain mindful, the more we open our hearts and see clearly.
I say “good for you!”, keep up the great work.
May you be well, happy and peaceful.
