I’m tired of passively sitting by waiting for something to happen. I want to go out there and *make* it happen

Hi Alia

I definitely relate. Loosing a job can really do a number on our sense of self. I’ve heard that most people can expect to have three or more such transitions in a life time. I’m on my fourth as it concerns work only one of which I initiated.

Reading your post the above line caught my eye. There is a art to “passively wait” that is very active. In the practice of zazen one sits, seemingly doing nothing, while observing ones flow of thoughts. The intention is not to have no thoughts but avoiding attaching to the thoughts and in this why allow them to flow.

When we point  our consciousness at a thought, memory, fear… and attach to it we crate a continuous line of associated thoughts, memories, fear usually leading down the rabbit hole, anxiety, depression…  As we learn not to attach our consciousness/focus to our thoughts and allow them to flow our mind “quiets” allowing us to see more clearly.  This Zen, doing by not doing, requires eyes wide open and engaging in life as it shows up.

Intuitively you know what you need to do. To get out there and “make” something happen. In other words engage in life as it shows up while at the same time “sitting” without attaching focus to your thoughts, fears…. in this way you will be better able to respond spontaneously to what shows up and in this way your path will become clear.