October 01-C, 2022

Getting what we want 
and having our way
are the hallmarks of success
and happiness.

We know nothing of what 
we ought to want.
We just want what we want
as though wanting knows.

The story goes that
the tribe of Delaware Indians
who traded Long Island
for shiny beads and silver mirrors
got what they wanted.

We trade our life
for goods and services
of about the same value,
thinking what a bargain we got,
refusing to wake up 
to the emptiness of it all,
wanting more on top of more
to take our mind off 
the futility of living 
in the hamster cage.

There are alternatives to wanting,
having, owning, possessing, striving,
attaining, grasping, forcing...

Looking/seeing,
listening/hearing,
for starters.

The right kind of emptiness,
stillness, silence.

Integrity, sincerity, spontaneity.

Spirit, energy, vitality.

Our essential nature,
our innate virtues.

Balance and harmony.

Compassion and kindness.

Relishing the wonder
of a cup of coffee
and good company.

Without contrivance
or deceit.

Just being "as one thus come."
And letting that be enough.

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