We have reached so far now up to the 20th position, "Step Back to Repulse Monkey." After the chilly 1-hr practice, we talked about what it means in real life by "stepping back" and "being repulsive." A member shared frustration with her teen-age children. Another shared his work experience, disconnecting himself from surroundings. Others shared similar difficulties facing strong force, for example, anxieties and intimidation that other people are dumping on us. Our teacher shared how we can respond, like stepping back but deflecting with kindness and respect. She is showing it with her service to others in this beautiful foggy morning.
A group of seagull circled around us, while we were doing the monkey business. Then, one brave seagull landed on the top of wooden column just a few feet from us. It was there for a while, checking us out.
Good observations, I like the lesson from repulsing the monkey. For me it begins with mindfulness and awareness of the present moment. We can step back with detachment and experience the Yin of yielding, observing and fully appreciating what is presented to us in the moment. Yang emerges and we respond from a calm place within, an attitude of humility and intention is manifested in deflected actions of showing regard and kindness towards others. We contribute to the Feng Shui of peaceful living.
ReplyDelete“I understood that every flower created is beautiful, that the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would no longer be enameled with lovely hues. And so it is in the world of souls, Our lord's (Tao) living garden.”
― Thérèse de Lisieux