August 18, 2024 – A

We do not shape the world/life 
to suit ourselves.
We shape ourselves
to fit what is called for in the world/life.

The world/Life asks certain things of us,
we negotiate how much for the world/life,
how much for us,
but it is very much a negotiated settlement
and not something we can insist/demand/require
of the world and of life,
that they serve us and keep us happy.

Each situation as it arises
asks things of us.
What do we say no to?
What do we say yes to?

We have to be aware of our yes's and no's.
Of where we are pushing/forcing our way,
of where we are refusing to cooperate
with what is being asked of us,
of how we are negotiating our way
through the world/life.

We get up and face the day--
and then what?

We have to pay attention
to the "Then what?"

What is asked of us?
What demands are we making?
How aware can we be
of the situation as it is arising?

Of each situation as they all arise?
Toward what are we living in each one?
It only takes looking/listening
to see/hear.