The Lightness of Practice

There’s a lightness, a buoyancy, even a humor that becomes available as we sit with ourselves, slow down, and deepen into presence.
 
Presence teaches us about ourselves. It illuminates the source of difficulties within—and reveals our potential to grow towards deep happiness. It can feel like a lot of work. 
 
Yet part of this inner work is learning to lighten up! To not take ourselves so seriously as we confront whatever blocks us from greater mystery, gratitude, and love.
 
Suzuki Roshi famously expressed, "You’re perfect the way you are. And you can use a little improvement.”
 
Can you find relief in hearing that you need a little improvement because it’s true for all beings? 
 
Can you laugh at the fact that maybe “a little” means “a lot”? 
 
There is a lightness in the language. The teaching itself is full of wisdom and lightness at the same time.
 
The perfection Suzuki Roshi refers to is not one that materializes through striving. It is not one that develops through self-judgment. It is not based on any notions of comparison or superiority.

The perfection is inclusive and honoring of imperfections. Our flaws are an aspect of perfection. Our flaws point towards evolution.
 
The perfection also implies Buddha nature — the essence or flawless fabric of being that is unharmable and beyond words. The practice is meant to help us recognize that we are already awake. 
 
We can be sincere without being serious. We can want to change because we love ourselves, instead of wanting to change because we don’t.
 
Wisdom is not striving to find out why we are the way we are. It is noticing the way we are. Watching the way we are in the only time we can ever watch. With lightness.