When we reach the ultimate

Stillness, we joyfully become

Aware that this mind of ours

Is empty, without any things,

And extends infinitely in all

Directions. It is something

Like the eternal sky,

In which clouds and wind circulate

Without stopping or reaching

An end.

- Luo Hongxian (1504-1564) courtesy of dailyzen.com

People come to therapy searching for a better way to manage the stress and complexity of their lives. Goals are set for treatment and we begin meeting regularly to reach the ultimate stillness. Time is spent talking about the struggles that have been experienced that week. Once a week we spend 50 minutes sitting and trying to understand the reasons for their pain. The dialog is the journey we take together. Moments of ultimate stillness occurs when there is a pause and a realization of having a new way of looking at a problem. At that point the fears and uncertainties become clouds that circulate with the wind in the eternal sky. Emptiness is boundlessness, so the infinite array of possibilities  present themselves for consideration. When the possibilities are more questions, we continue the journey with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. Eventually answers are discovered and there is a wonderful sense of accomplishment.