Wow… What a weekend in the UK. The temperature was scorchio and so was the political aftermath of Boris Johnson’s resignation. Love him or hate him, he certainly makes the news!
Some commentators talk about him as a flawed personality. Well, welcome to reality. We are all flawed personalities. We have our magnificent aspects, our definitely not-so-magnificent aspects and all positions in between!
That reminds me of an old Zen story about the cook in a monastery…
He wasn’t just a cook. Young monks and old monks alike from near and far would consult with him for advice and guidance. For he was revered as a ‘master,’ the holiest and most enlightened monk around at the time.
He was renowned for his ability not to react to situations as either good or bad but with calm acceptance of ‘what is.’ He was renowned for his ability to be present in the moment and to be mindful and measured at all times with all things.
He was also renowned for making the tastiest sausages in the whole of ancient China. It was rumoured some who sought his advice did so only in the hope of being offered one!
Also in the monastery was a young initiate who despaired of ever becoming a monk. His hot temper would flare quickly and seemed way beyond anything he could control. So, early one morning, with no one else around, he decided to seek the master’s guidance.
As was his custom, at that time of day the master was preparing food in his kitchen. As the young initiate approached, he could see a string of those renowned, fat and juicy sausages on the table all ready for cooking.
Just then, a mangy stray dog leapt onto the table, grabbed the freshly strung sausages in its jaw and headed for the open door. The master yelled an expletive and managed to kick the dog viciously on its side as it disappeared but, alas, was unable to save the sausages.
The young initiate shrunk against the wall to not be seen and, at first, couldn’t believe what he’d witnessed. The master angry, swearing and physically violent?
Then, as his shock subsided, he became enlightened. He suddenly realised the renowned master was no different to him at all but ‘perfect imperfection’ as we all, indeed, are.
So next time you beat yourself up about something you’ve done or not done, said or not said, thought or not thought… give yourself a break.
Perfect imperfection, woman… Perfect imperfection!
Love and wild warm wishes…
Guiding professional mid-life women in how to
create a more meaningful relationship
with yourself and your life.
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