I’ve been reading some Richard Bach this morning. Also a few Zen thoughts from books since 04.30 this morning too. Science of Freedom, Thich Nhat Hanh and Koan thought. 

‘What is it we’re so busy with exactly? We humans have lost the wisdom of genuinely resting and relaxing. We don’t allow our bodies to heal, and we don’t allow our minds and hearts to heal’. 

Wise words from Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh . He then answers his own question. 

His observation is based on ‘busy-ness’. Always rushing about. I then thought that even forced illness from, for example Covid infection, cannot force drop us into a period of escaping busy-ness, where/when it is possible to heal by resting or relaxing. Because of the symptoms of insomnia, fatigue, fogged brain and exhaustion that some people get piles on the stresses in that we can’t heal easily. This is a World where a virus has not allowed many to relax and heal because the after shock from infection are invasive chronic symptoms that, in themselves, determine massive ongoing difficulties.  

So sometimes we make our own stresses. Sometimes they are thrust upon us. Which is ironic when, for example you have retired or are on a much deserved annual leave and escaped work’s busy pressures which has opened the door to relaxation and clearer pathways for resting when you want to. Only to find that a little microscopic bug comes and spoils the show. 

So. Reading Thich Nhat Hanh gave me something to ponder on. Questions can expand into more than one simple answer.

Richard Bach states an observation and gives us the questions. Then tells us what to do. Then, at the end, gives us an answer for us to self seek the answers we need to consider. Then affirms that they will change.

He states:

‘The simplest questions are the most profound. Where were you born? Where is your home? Where are you going? What are you doing? Think about these once in a while and watch your answers change’.

Yes. The answers do change. He’s correct. But you only afford giving yourself the true answers through reflection. The truth to your inner self. To others? Maybe the stuff made up for stock answers. Because what if you didn’t want to bother to give the answers to the fact they may have changed? No invasion into your private dreams and wished for’s. Consistent stock answers throughout your whole life. We can consider these questions alone and in our own way. We don’t have to share. Or maybe with a soul mate, best friend or counsellor we may open up. 

Where were you born? 

‘On a bath, which was a makeshift bed of a board on said bath because the hospital beds were all full so it was a case of ‘make do time’. True story. Enough in that one answer to not want to change to ‘I was born again when I found confidence in myself because I moved to live by the ocean and lived a quieter, more introspective existence’. Another true story. Some people do not want to expand on being questioned. ‘Oh! You’re a Buddhist. Do you believe you could be born again when/if you found enlightenment?’ Yes Richard Bach. Answers do change back and forth. But in my mind only and not for open discussion. Sometimes seeking answers are for private deep thinking only. Discussion? Nope! So, if asked?  Then stock answer ‘I was born on a bath……. But different if I was asking my inner self. However, Richard Bach was all about finding ‘yourself ‘in his book ’Illusions. Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah’.

Where is your home? 

‘Where my heart is’. Not ‘I’m living in a tent on Wimbledon Common whilst protesting about the trees being cut down!’ Former more interesting than latter but it’s not up for discussion. ‘So. Where’s your heart at the moment?’ they persist. I point to the anatomical position and location of my heart…..’Here!’

Where are you going? 

‘There and back to see how far it is’ answer to others. To myself? ‘I wish I knew sometimes. Be a lot easier if I did know. Maybe down to the Dunes with camera in my hand, the shops for a loaf of bread or maybe to seek energy, inspiration and purpose by meditating on the question ‘Where am I going?’

What are you doing? 

‘Writing a blog about stuff’. Or…..’I’m writing today’s blog. It’s about questions that a Guru named Thich Nhat Hanh and a deep thinking author named Richard Bach would ask’. ‘What type of questions would they ask?’ they persist….

Some days answers only change depending on whether you can be bothered with what’s involved in the answers given to others. Most days the truth of those questions’ answers are given in privacy to the inner mind that belongs to only ’You’.

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