Beginning

  

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BEGINNING

THIS IS THE MOMENT OF EMBARKING. ALL AUSPICIOUS SIGNS ARE IN PLACE

In the beginning all things are hopeful. We prepare ourselves to start anew. Though we may be intent on the journey ahead, all things are contained in the first moment of our optimism, our faith, our resolution, our optimism, our innocence. In order to start we must make a decision. This decision is a commitment to daily self-cultivation. We must make a strong connection to our inner selves. Outside matters are superfluous. Alone and naked we negotiate life's travails. Therefore, we alone must make something of ourselves, transforming ourselves into the instruments  for experiencing the deepest spirtitual essence of life. Once we make our decision, all things will come to us. Auspicious signs are not a superstition, but a confirmation, They are a response. It is said that if one chooses to pray to a rock with enough devotion, even the rock will come alive. In that same way, once we choose to commit ourselves to spiritual practice, even the mountains and valleys reverberate to the sound of our purpose.

from 365 TAO   daily meditations     by Deng Ming-Dao