Adventures with Trees and Buddha

Last week began with a tree climbing adventure with Russ. It ended with a story about Buddha. Somehow, it all ties together in a way that makes perfect sense.

On Monday, we ventured into the trees on aerial obstacle courses. Our successful journey involved balance, strength, and conquering fear.

At the end of the week, I was asked to embark on another adventure of sorts. I was specifically asked to enter a potentially challenging situation and to meet any negativity with grace and love. It felt as if I was being tested, both mentally and spiritually, to see if I was able to take the "high road."

That journey also required balance, inner strength, and the complete abolition of fear. I became determined to simply stay on a course of positive energy, remaining focused and impervious to any outside influence. Mission accomplished.

The next day a friend of mine shared a story he knew about Buddha. I've since found several variations online. It goes something like this:

Buddha, having gained many followers at the time, encountered one specific traveler who seemed to be determined to make him angry. The man shouted offensive remarks, insulting Buddha and dishonoring him in front of his followers. Buddha remained calm and unruffled. He returned only kindness and love to the traveler. This continued for several days until finally the rude man asked Buddha why, after days of ridicule and verbal abuse was he still nothing but kind to him.

Buddha replied with a question: If someone gives you a gift and you do not accept it, to whom does it belong?

(Click here to link to another version on uua.org)

The point is that if someone is mean to you, or gives you the "gift" of rudeness, you do not have to accept it. Then the gift still belongs to the giver. We do not have to upset ourselves or stress out when others give us unwelcome gifts. We can simply choose not to accept them. No one has the power to anger or upset us unless we allow them to. That choice remains ours and we are empowered by it.

What gifts are we accepting from others? What gifts are we giving others?

I am reminded that there are all kinds of adventures and challenges in this life. Just as there are those of a physical nature, there are those of a mental and spiritual nature as well. We can embark on each of them with a sense of balance, strength and Love. If we choose to strive for balance, strength and Love in the face of all challenges, we'll be doing pretty good.

Namaste,
T
xoxo

P.S.
It occurs to me that sometimes the most loving thing to do, is love ourselves enough to remove ourselves from harmful situations. Blessed journey...