Small gray pebbles covering the ground.

Small gray pebbles covering the ground. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“A small trouble is like a pebble. Hold it close to your eye and it fills the whole world and puts everything out of focus.


Throw it at your feet and it can be seen in its natural setting; just one more tiny bump on the pathway to life.” ~Cecilia Luce

Life is But a Dream

“Row row row your boat
gently down the stream…”

and then downsizing happens, pain, divorce, trauma, death, recession, weight gain, defeat illusions crop up everywhere.

Forget merrily, forget joy, forget prosperity. Forget living.

You are bigger than pain. You are stronger than defeat be it downsizing, divorce, death, weight…whatever your obstacle—you are stronger. You are stronger.

Here is what I want you to do: GO BACK TO YOUR PAIN

  • First, embrace your pain. Really lovingly let your pain in.
  • Second, feel the pain in its most raw, eviscerating state.
  • Third, look at the pain.
  • Fourth, speak to the pain. But, this time don’t run away nor deny your pain. Instead have an honest talk with your pain point and clearly state your feelings. Clearly see yourself in the light of total control and peace.
  • Fifth, feel yourself who you are in front of the pain. Use “I” statements such as “I” am an achiever. “I” am a dancer. “I” am powerful. “I” am love.

Speak out loud exactly who you are and what you thought your self-inflicted, self-loathing pain was blocking you from. Now, erase the pain. Bask in the freedom of being a dancer. Excel as an achiever. Empower yourself with your power.

Zen master Shunrya Suzuki Roshi says enlightenment comes when you follow one thing all the way to the end. Follow your pain, grief, defeat or whatever has imprisoned you until now and then follow your dreams to the end.

Life is but a dream when you wake up from the illusory control of pain. Recognize that you have the power and strength to embrace, see and talk to any of your pain points and follow them to the end so that you find enlightenment.

Pain can never destroy an enlightened person. You are strong. You are no longer a prisoner to pain. No more lies, excuses, denial, shibboleths. No more excuses; excuses be gone!

You don’t need pain. You don’t have to be broken.

You are strong. You are powerful. You are in control.

You can row your boat in a stream, in a torrent, in a storm without fear of losing your way to enlightenment.

Row your boat, be merry, and live the life of your dreams.