Flying Away

Not knowing means to be open to all eventualities, to not prejudge a person or situation. If your mind is full of preconceived notions, there is no room for an unbiased view. It is like when your hands are full of objects - you cannot pick up anything new. A closed mind causes separation and suspicion. Like an umbrella, a mind is only useful when it is open.-From "Zen in the Workplace: Approach to Mindful Management", Tricycle, Summer 1996.



A few days ago I turned a year older and gave thanks to a body that continues to improve through yoga. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I move into poses that felt impossible a few years, even a few months ago. Then, during a long conversation with a friend, I caught myself continually moving into position to reply, rather than just listening to what was being said. My mind felt old and cluttered and I felt the urge to wipe away worn out beliefs and opinions. What a perfect time for a vacation!

Tonight I fly to Barcelona and I'm looking forward to new and different sights, sounds, scents and tastes. When in France and Italy, I want to re-view those places once visited, but this time with a wider focus. I'll be spending time with friends I've known for decades (do not read "old") so I'll listen to hear them speak in a different voice, if they choose. Then when I fly back home to Hawaii, I'm going to unpack my memories slowly and fold them neatly away so that they'll always be accessible, but not clutter the rest of my new year.

Photo: A former umbrella shop in Barcelona by Juli Modul