Friday, October 17, 2008

Dealing with Difficulties

These four years, I have been increasingly more involved in helping out at my Buddhist centre, from more manual work and token help such as clearing the cushions, sweeping the floor etc. to more scholastic work like managing the website, helping out with publications and now it is doing more of management work and having to cover up for whatever work has not been done. It has been a very bumpy ride, but I think I have learnt a lot from it. I have learnt that you never know how difficult things can be until you have gone through it yourself, this has taught me to appreciate what others have done and also learn to think from the position of others and be more caring. I have picked up very interesting skills which I would never have picked up had I not volunteered so much of my time. I have learnt how humans easily miscommunicate. I have learnt how rewards need not be external and truly come from yourself. I have learnt how I handle stress, tiredness and obstacles. I have learnt not to break down when things seem impossible, as nothing is really that important. I have learnt to learn from mistakes and move on, instead of crying over spilt milk. I have learnt to appreciate free time. I have learnt to appreciate the help of family and friends. I have learnt that no matter what limits you think you had, they can be stretched. Life ultimately will not be interesting without its many ups and downs. And without the challenges, you will never be forced to look at yourself and see who you really are and celebrate that. We have the limitless potential of being a Buddha, someone enlightened and broken free from all illusions and delusions. When we are quiet and calm, we find inner peace and delight. The ultimate goal of a human is to fulfill your own potential, to live from strength to strength and discover all your qualities and beauty. Nothing is really bad and nothing is really good. Let go of all pre-conceptions and be free.