#81 You Are Exactly Where You Are Meant To Be

A story, a poem, and several goodies to carry into the week

Feb 20, 2022

Dearest,

In her book, Comfortable with Uncertainty, Pema Chödrön tells a story that appears frightening at first read but is the most compassionate and accurate explanation of mindfulness. Let me share that with you:

There was once a lady who was arrogant and proud. Determined to attain enlightenment, she asked all the authorities how to go about it. She was told, "Well, if you climb to the top of this very high mountain, you'll find a cave there. Sitting inside that cave is a wise old woman. She will tell you." Having endured great hardships, the lady finally found this cave. Sure enough, sitting there was a gentle spiritual-looking old woman in white clothing, who smiled beatifically. Overcome with awe and respect, the lady prostrated at the feet of this woman and said, "I want to attain enlightenment. Show me how." This wise woman looked at her and asked sweetly, "Are you sure you want to attain enlightenment?" And the woman said, "Of course I'm sure." Whereupon the smiling woman turned into a demon, stood up brandishing a great big stick, and started chasing her, saying, "Now! Now! Now!" For the rest of her life, that lady could never get away from the demon who was always saying, Now! Now--that's the key. Mindfulness trains us to be awake and alive, fully curious, about now.

When I first read this story, it scared the hell out of me. But upon subsequent reads and reflection, I wrote a poem on it. Hope it instills you with the courage to continue on this path you’ve chosen for yourself. :)