The Dance. . .
In our practice and in our daily lives, we often feel the pull of determination — that fierce commitment to grow, to change, to overcome. This drive can be noble, a force that propels us toward betterment and deeper understanding. Yet determination, without balance, can harden into grasping and frustration.
This is where acceptance enters the dance. Acceptance is not resignation, nor is it weakness. It is the courageous recognition of what is, here and now. It is the gentle bow to reality, acknowledging conditions as they are before we attempt to shape them.
Buddhism teaches us to hold these two qualities together — determination and acceptance — as two wings of a bird. Determination gives us energy to stay on the path, to keep our vows, to practice even when life is difficult. Acceptance gives us wisdom to see clearly, to avoid fighting what cannot be changed, to make peace with the present moment.
When determination and acceptance work hand in hand, we act skillfully. We see our obstacles without despair. We try, without clinging to success. We commit to our path, without demanding perfection from ourselves or the world.
Today, let us reflect: where is my determination needed, and where is my acceptance called for? With mindful awareness, we can honor both, trusting that each breath offers a chance to walk the middle path — strong yet gentle, resolute yet open.
May you walk this day with determination in your heart and acceptance in your mind, knowing these two are never separate, but partners in the dance of awakening.
Peace and Love, Jim
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