Everything is the best

Many years ago, I found a little book entitled, "Zen Flesh, Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and pre-Zen Writings complied by Paul Reps. My favorite story of all time is this one:

When Banzan was walking through a market he overheard a conversation between a butcher and his customer.

"Give me the best piece of meat you have," said the customer.

"Everything in my shop is the best," replied the butcher. "You cannot find here any piece of meat that is not the best."

At these words Banzan became enlightened.

Just for today, try letting go of the hierarchies we build in the mind for the purpose of judging and ranking other people, ourselves and our experiences. Instead, let every encounter be the best encounter. Let every experience be the best experience. Let every moment be the best moment. Then watch frustration and resentment just dissolve.