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Wow! What a concise and clear explanation of acceptance of life "as it is", without the habitual conditioning of what "could be" or "should be" or "would be". Such acceptance allows one to live more in the present moment, without being influenced by memories and regrets about the past and anxieties and expectations about the future. That, then enables one "to show up for life with grace, kindness, a sense of humour, curiosity and a willingness to not have all the answers, with reverence for life", and with faith that "what is" and "what will be" is going to be for the greater good of all. A personal story where I showed up in this way for a consistent period was during my mother's last year of life after she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Having taken a break from work I spent time focusing on her needs, hospital trips, learning from other cancer patients, taking her to Germany for alternative treatment as she was too weak to receive chemotherapy, etc. It was a trying time and acceptance seemed to be the only option to allow me to open my heart to whatever was yet to come. When she passed, I consoled myself by remembering that there is a divine plan that is unfolding, though the time and lessons are hard to face, I have to play my part to the best of my ability. My deep gratitude everyone that has made this sharing possible.

This is a welcome reminder for me that effort can change behaviour but not who we truely are. Who we truely are is gradually revealed through awareness of the unity, purity and divinity that exists within each of us and around us but which is veiled or covered by our limiting beliefs, opinions, likes and dislikes, regrets of the past and anxiety about the future. That stops present moment awareness, because we become so engrossed in "human doings" on auto pilot rather than existing consciously as "human beings". As Anthony De Mello says "... to be watchful and awake" is enough. Being fully present is awareness. He goes on to say.."...A grace called awareness, a grace called looking, observing, understanding. .......It is this non-judgmental awareness alone that heals and changes and makes one grow. But in its own way and at its own time."

A beautiful poem that reminds me to focus on what I have rather than what I think is missing from my life. Furthermore, to recognise that what I have received is far more than what I could have imagined and, infers that I too have a duty to share what I have with others with the understanding that the cup is overflowing, not half full.

'How we wrestle is who we are' is an excellent reminder that often we focus on reaching the end or the desired destination and forget that it is the journey that matters. I should think that living each day mindfully with cheerfulness despite the obstacles would be a wonderful open-hearted and lovingly expansive experience. Something that I am aspiring for.

Mair, we spend so much of our time in our jobs so I love the meaning that you have given to it: Joy Of Being.
Thank you

This article / reading has a profound learning message, thank you for sharing it. Unknowingly all of us are contributing positively in some way, that sometimes gets overlooked when we are chasing after things to fulfill desires, arising from a sense of incompleteness due to ignorance about ourreal identity. Performing our obligatory duties sincerely, as stated in the Bhagavad Gita, without expecting anything in return (outcomes) or any agenda is itself the purpose and gives meaning to life. We have been placed in a particular place with certain circumstances and people to do certain things so as to discover that real identity through the fulfillment of those obligatory duties.