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.

stay calm and things will happen as they need to happen. I just need to be patient and wait?

More like be patient and engage in life as it shows up. This is not a passive waiting, but active being.

As you engage with life pay attention to what you allow your attention to attach to.  Notice, learn and allow the moment to flow by detaching your attention. Participation in the flow entails noticing whey you are attaching your attention on a memory, frustration, fear or some such. When you notice feel it and check into what is real. (Fear is more often then not False Evidence Appearing Real). Once you identify what is “real” you will be in a better position to allow your attention/focus to move on to the next moment. Eventually you will discover what you’ve been looking for.

(We think we can keep a moment from flowing by attaching and holding onto it but that is a lie. The moment flows regardless of what we do to try to control it so might has well respect that reality and participate vice attempt to stop the flow. More often then not its our resistance that creates the worry not the actually event.)