Staying connected with an underlying joy

Before one’s individual ability-to-be, there goes an unshakable joy in this possibility.  Heidegger, Being and Time

There are two things, to be and to do. Don’t think too much about to do – to be is first. To be peace. To be joy. And then to do joy, to do happiness – on the basis of being. Being fresh. Being peaceful. Being compassionate. This is the basic practice. It’s like a person sitting at the foot of a tree. The tree does not have to do anything, but the tree is fresh and alive. When you are like that tree, sending out waves of freshness, you help to calm down the suffering in the other person.

Thich Nhat Hahn

 

2 thoughts on “Staying connected with an underlying joy

  1. Thank you a beautiful reminder for this slightly crazy time of year! And I am very envious of the snow!!! We’re in the middle of summer here in Australia!

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