Why We Practice…

In this society, we question many things, like our attachments to drugs, alcohol, sex, money, success, and fame. In the United States and other first-world countries, this is because we are not taught the teachings of grounding ourselves. We rush for the quick fix: a pill, a high, an escape. But, if we do ‘the work’ on ourselves and practice contemplative practices, we begin to see the root of all suffering: simply having attachments. These attachments don’t allow us to be present and appreciate the meaning of life, which is just to be alive and experience the world as it is.

The Buddha did much of this groundwork for us by mapping out the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path. Suppose we acknowledge and practice these teachings daily. In that case, they allow us to live fully in the present moment, with the possibility of understanding suffering and knowing that nothing is permanent, even if we want it to be. Life is neither good nor bad; it is just life and must be lived.

Please don’t get hung up on my words here. These are words, too, and I am human and imperfect as you are. I have experienced/ believe that if you show up for yourself and have a personal practice(s), you are grounded and can weather the waves in the storm called life. Sometimes, we may fall off the path, which is okay, but eventually, you will see the path's importance and how it previously created a refuge for you. I am not telling anyone to become a monk (but you can if you like). However, what I am getting at is that we must try to live as fully as we can because we aren’t guaranteed the next second. So appreciate each breath and live this life as if you will never get another one.