Zen and the Art of Life

by Michele Boy | April 11, 2024

Happy Thursday! Looks like temperatures will be in the upper eighties and sunny this weekend.  Exciting for many who want to get out and enjoy the weekend, less exciting when you are looking for rain in the forecast.
Interesting isn't it how we view our circumstances? Something that looks like a frustration could be a blessing to someone else.
I went to a dance performance over the weekend, hint see page 12. Some people wanted an explanation before the start to understand what was coming.  For me, I didn't want to see a single picture or even hear about it other than the title so I could fully experience the set design, the music choices, the choreography. 
There is a book I read years ago that goes into that discussion, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."
While I read it a long time ago, it sticks with me at times like this. Two men were on a motorcycle trip. From what I recall, one knew the intricacies of his motorcycle. He could tear it apart and rebuild it. He knew every nuance and every noise. Yet he traveled with a friend who preferred the romantic notion of enjoying the journey without learning anything about his motorcycle at all. He would rather stop at a professional bike shop along the way if needed.
It caused frustration between the two. 
I have always been the latter - jump in and see what happens. It makes life more intriguing and thrilling to me to experience it for the first time.
To many, this would drive them nuts! Take the time and learn something well before stepping into the venture, whatever it may be. 
In truth, I believe there is a balance. If you wait until you are well versed and knowledgeable on almost every scenario of what could happen, I think you miss out on some fun, different experiences.
On the other hand, you can't just become a doctor on a whim. There is a time and place for studying, dedication towards a goal, and hard work to accomplish what you seek out. 
If you are flighty all the time, you won't have much to show for it. But if you never try something new, how will you know what is out there? 
I read something the other day that basically said - I hope your next 75 years are filled with great experiences and not the same 75 years over and over again.
It does explain why many of us are frustrated with each other. We don't see the same situation through the same lens.
Maybe that's where grace comes in. 
Growing up I was frustrated terribly by my sister because she just wanted to play and there was work to be done.
She was frustrated because I would never stop and just enjoy playtime.
Today, I see balance. There is always more work to be done. The lie is I will go have fun as soon as I get this or that accomplished. 
When this paper goes to print, I have to get another paper going and the graduation edition. But it is also going to be beautiful outdoors this weekend. 
I think balance is the key. 
Last weekend, instead of fighting the wind and traveling to get sheep feed, my husband and I decided we would go for a hike as a family.
It ended up being a beautiful time getting some physical exercise and family time. We built memories and were more refreshed Monday morning. 
Sometimes life doesn't work that way. Sometimes it has to be go, go, go. But then I know I can get caught up in that pattern and forget to stop and feel the sun on my face. 
A couple of quotes from the book - “Sometimes it's a little better to travel than to arrive” 
“Is it hard?' Not if you have the right attitudes. Its having the right attitudes thats hard.”- Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance:  
Thanks for reading! Have a great weekend!