The Year of Shedding the Skin of Consumerism

As we enter the Year of the Snake, we are invited to join in on a journey of transformation and renewal. Like the snake, we too can shed our old skin, our old patterns, and our old ways of thinking. We can emerge anew, fresh, and unencumbered.

In the stillness of the morning, as the sun rises, we would be wise to remember the wisdom of the ones who got it a long, long, long time ago. 

Lao Tzu's words, which are over 2,500 years old now, whisper in my mind, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” 

Ah, the simplicity and elegance of this truth. We do not need to strive or struggle; we only need to align ourselves with the natural flow of things.

As we walk through the garden of life, we can notice the lotus flower blooming in muddy waters. Its beauty is unblemished by the impurities that surround it. 

This is the essence of our practice. We do not need to be tainted by the distractions and desires of the world. We can rise above, unmuddied, like the lotus flower.

The snake, too, teaches us a valuable lesson. It sheds its skin, not because it is tired of its old skin, but because it has outgrown it. It is a reminder that we too must let go of our old ways, our old patterns, and our old thinking. We must be willing to shed our skin, to emerge anew, and to start fresh.

As we embark on this journey, the ancients offer us a simple, proven safe and effective practice. Take a few moments each day to sit in stillness, to breathe deeply, and to let go of all thoughts and distractions. Allow yourself to settle into the present moment, like a leaf floating gently on the surface of a pond.

In this state of awareness, we begin to see the world with fresh eyes. We notice the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, and we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all things. We see that we are not separate, independent beings, but rather, are part of a larger web of life.

As the Taoist master Chuang Tzu said, "The perfect man employs his mind as a mirror; it goes after nothing, it refuses nothing; it receives, but does not keep.” 

Ah, the wisdom of this teaching. We do not need to grasp or cling to anything; we only need to reflect the world as it is, without judgment or attachment.

My dear readers, as we journey through the Year of the Snake, I invite you to join me in this practice of simplicity, mindfulness, and awareness. 

Let us shed the old, worn skin of consumerism, and emerge anew, fresh, and unencumbered by the puerile purchases of the past. Let us walk the path of the snake, with humility, with gratitude, and with an open heart.

In the silence, I offer you a final teaching. The Year of the Snake is not just a time for transformation and renewal - it is also a time for celebration and gratitude. 

Let us celebrate the beauty and wonder of the world, and let us give thanks for the gift of life. Let us honor the wisdom of the ancient ones, and may we embody the simplicity, elegance, and profundity of the Zen tradition.

May we walk the path of the snake, with wisdom, with compassion, and with an open heart. May we emerge anew, fresh, and unsullied, like the lotus flower blooming in the muddy waters. 

And may we always remember the wisdom of the ancient ones, guiding us on our journey towards enlightenment, peace, and liberation.

''Shé xiǎng shé huì.'’  - Chinese saying associated with The Year of The Snake

Translation - "The snake thinks, and the snake transforms."

The Art of Being Easily Pleased

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything."

- Arlene Francis

If you wake up joyful, simply because you are healthy and in no pain, or if a perfectly cooked grilled cheese sandwich can send you into culinary bliss, you may be someone that is easily pleased. 

The idea of being easily pleased—finding joy in simplicity and contentment in everyday life—has been advocated by philosophers, writers, and thinkers across cultures and time periods.

Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, presents a timeless guide to finding peace and contentment through simplicity and self-discipline. 

"Very little is needed to make a happy life, he says, as ''it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."

In a world that often glorifies complexity and constant striving, there’s a gentle power in being easily pleased. 

This simple mindset can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life, allowing us to reconnect with the beauty of now and the wonders of nature that surround us.

When we embrace the art of being easily pleased, we open ourselves up to a world of easily accessible simple pleasures. 

The feel of a sharp knife slicing raw potatoes, watching gently falling snow, or having a warm drink on a cold morning—these moments can bring profound happiness if one is sensitive to their power. 

In a society that often pushes us to chase after bigger and more, it’s refreshing to find contentment in smaller and enough. 

Being easily pleased fosters resilience. When we learn to appreciate what we have, we become less attached to material possessions and societal expectations. 

This mindset allows us to navigate life’s challenges with grace, finding silver linings even in difficult times.

Last night I made a rice pudding and put in a teaspoon of chilli powder instead of cinnamon. When I realized what I did, I put the cinnamon in and stirred the hot mess all up. 

It needed to be rebranded - we had to change our thinking - as a Mexican rice pudding.

We ate it, and it was great. Hot, yes, but we like it hot.

For the easily pleased, gratitude becomes the guiding principle, reminding us that happiness is not found in the latest gadget or trend, or how much wealth we horde, but in the magical richness of everyday moments.

Moreover, being easily pleased causes one to radiate positivity that is a joy to be around. 

The appreciation for life’s simple pleasures can inspire others to slow down and savor the moment. In a fast-paced world, the fast acting relief of reducing the pace of the madness can foster deeper connections with nature, yourself, and others. 

In a culture that equates success with constant ambition and material accumulation, practicing the art of being easily pleased is counterintuitive - an act of rebellion. 

It challenges the status quo and invites us to question what truly brings us happiness. By stepping away from the relentless pursuit of more, we can reclaim our time and energy, focusing instead on what genuinely matters to us.

So, let us celebrate the beauty of being easily pleased. In a world that unceasingly demands more from us, let’s find joy in the simple, the small, and the everyday. 

By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also inspire others to appreciate the spectacular wonders that nature and simplicity have to offer. 

After all, true happiness lies not in the grandiose, but in the tiny moments that make up our lives and reveal the magic of being alive in this amazing Universe.