Of Deep Consideration

Of deep consideration: 

it's a life of deep consideration, thoughtful in my care for others, mindful of my actions and how they might affect the world. Really, this is quite simple, it's not an overt measure of giving to the point that my own life is taken over by the task, but just the small thoughts of good will to those I interact with daily, courteous favors to my friends and neighbors, a smile to a stranger. This naturally begins to extend to some larger efforts, how my diet reflects my care for animals and the well-being of the planet, the politicians I choose to vote for and how they'll shape the policies that best respect my values. Small things mostly, choices that I never once notices at a past point of my life, and yet now they seem to cross my mind so often, truly caring for the sake of others.

a life of deep consideration. 

this seems to extend seamlessly and easily from my meditation cushion, even from my yoga practice, an increased mindfulness to the concern of people, animals, the planet, a growing wish to be of deeper service to the world. It's just something that has happened, happening really, my heart expands in this desire to somehow ease the suffering of others, even if only by a caring smile. 

these are all little things, small efforts and their true effects mostly go unmeasured. I'll never know if a stranger appreciates my offered smile, or if a neighbor notices some kind gesture. It doesn't really matter, living a life of deep consideration is its own reward, being an extension of my heart, a pathway for me to follow that eases my own sorrow and despair. To be of service, small ways, teaching meditation, listening to the concern of others, simply opening my heart to the suffering of the world - that's what calls me now, serving quietly, barely noticed even by my own observation. 

it's a life of consideration...not just my own, but ours, all of us entwined by a shared sense of belonging here, recognizing ourselves as a reflection of even the smallest creature found, that every life has the greatest of value. This isn't something that we do, it's not a practice really, but simply what we are, caring by our very nature, even if it's so often forgotten or brushed aside in our reach for what we think has a greater value. At some point though, and we never know exactly when, everything changes, and if we're fortunate, mindful, we begin to notice that we're called for a larger services...

even if it's just a quest life of deep consideration. 

~

Peace, Eric