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After ten years of apprenticeship, Tenno was granted the rank of Zen teacher. One rainy day he went to visit the famous master Nan-in. When he walked in, Nan-in greeted him with a question, "Did you leave your wooden clogs and umbrella on the porch?" "Yes," replied Tenno. "Tell me," continued Nan-in, "did you place your umbrella to the left of your shoes or to the right?" Tenno did not know the answer. Therefore, he realized that he had not yet attained full awareness. He, thus, became Nan-in's apprentice and studied under him for ten more years.
Living in the moment means living with awareness. We can be in the moment even when it seems we are not in the moment. When we are aware that we are not in the moment, we are in the moment, for we are in awareness. Awareness can only take place in one time, that time is the present.
Living in the moment is not always being in the moment, rather, living in the moment entails returning to the moment. Over time, we are more in this moment. Our trust in God helps us return to the moment and live more in the now. Admitting that there are many factors we have no control over, even when we do our best, helps us come back to the present and live from this moment, accepting that we are unconditionally loved and forgiven, too.
OneLife Ministries is a pastoral outreach and nurture ministry of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL. For Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, spiritual formation workshops, Christian meditation retreats, or more information about OneLife, write Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox at briankwilcox@comcast.net.
Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union, can be ordered through major bookdealers.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The People of the
United Methodist Church
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