Thursday, May 25, 2006

Just be yourself

Here are two reminders of how important it is not to try to be somebody else. First this simple poem:
SO WHAT IS THERE TO REALIZE?
Peonies bloom on peony trees.
A cat doesn't become a chicken.
Tulips are tulips, not roses.
Why can't we realize this true fact?
That to be me is great.
I don't have to be anyone but me.
I am blooming as I am in my life, just as
a peony blooms on a peony tree.
Further, a beautiful peony flower does not
worry about when it will wilt and fall to the ground.
It does not compete with the flower next to it;
rather it blooms with its whole self.

-- Sensie Oguifrom "Zen Shin Talks"


And now a simple observation:

The privilege of a lifetime is to be yourself.

-- Joseph Campbell

How happy we will be if we choose not to compete with others but rather rejoice in who and what we are!

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:44 PM

    I read yesterday's comment about how "cool" airdales are and I thought maybe they are "cool" because they are happy just being themselves. I remember one day watching one of my cats and envying how satsified she was just being herself! She didn't care that she wasn't a black cat or a poodle, she was vey happy being a big yellow cat.

    L. Wilson

    ReplyDelete
  2. I know, L. I've learned that from my animals as well. Isn't it wonderful?

    ReplyDelete

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