Taking Time Out To Remember

Well last week was one of those headless chicken weeks. I.e I was rushing around like a headless chicken trying to get a million and one things done all at once!

I was busy populating my website with articles (no mean feat given there are over 50 pages to my website, www.tycoonwomen.com). Although I am getting other people to contribute articles, event that takes time. I was also  practicing for my Tae Kwon Do grading this Tuesday; attending network meetings and writing and then delivering my monthly Interfaith service.

In all my busyness I was reminded of a Buddhist practice called the Five Remembrances. It is a series of contemplations that traditional Buddhist monks recite on a daily basis, as a way of reminding themselves of what is real and what cannot be changed. These remembrances, teach us to face the fear that we have about losing control over the things our lives.

In reality, the control we think we have is just an illusion. Nothing is permanent, everything is subject to change and death is inevitable. By acknowledging the reality of life, we learn to recognize that it is our actions, in the present moment, that will long outlive our physical form and so rather than get frustrated about or current circumstances, our role is to focus on our present actions and ensure that we become a presence of loving kindness and peace. I find it a great way to take time out when I find that I am tying myself in knots with my busyness. By taking time out I can regain my focus and come back to my tasks and get on in a more productive way.

The Five Remembrances:

1.    I am of a nature to grow old; there is no way to escape growing old I have to accept this.

2.    I am of a nature to have ill health, as I grow old ill health will be inevitable I cannot escape illness.

3.    I am of a nature to die. There is no way to escape death.

4.    All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of a nature to change.  There is no way to avoid being separated from them.

5.    I am the owner of my actions; my actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground on which I stand.

image Laughing Buddha by Lavoview