Fundamental nature inherently
Possesses. If we prepare in
Advance and nurture it within
Ourselves, then wherever we happen to
Be, whether in wealth and high rank,
Or poverty and low status,
In foreign lands, or in difficult
Circumstances, we deal with
Whatever situation we are in
By retaining our simplicity there,
It is not increased when we do great
Deeds or reduced when we are
Dwelling in obscurity.
Wherever we go, we are at peace,
Because we have found simplicity.
- Nie Bao (1487-1563) courtesy of daily zen.com
In psychotherapy simplicity and complexity are present in each session. My client tells me her day at work was depressing and we talk about all the events of the day, noticing subtle differences in the wide variety of her experiences. Another time we are talking about the confusing and seemingly contradictory feelings she experiences when she is with her family and we identify the role she plays in the family system. Our challenge is to find that space where we can hold both the simple and the complex in equal light. Our fundamental nature possesses simplicity and our lives are exceptionally complex. When we build in routines that engage our fundamental nature like meditation, we cultivate and enhance a singular approach to our lives. This allows us to simply attend to the complex reactions like fear, anger, and anxiety. Paying attention with an open mind and an open heart increases our capacity to feel these things and maintain a curiosity that helps us to learn about ourselves and grow into a more enlightened self awareness.
