Just This One: Taking Life One Step At A Time

Whatever it might be, it's just this one. Here's a short meditative talk on the impact of taking life one step at a time. I share the story of how I created my 111-day course, The Zen Path, in this way. 111 sounds like a lot. But it's just an idea. In reality, there is only one. One. One. One. Just this one.

Transcript

Just this one.

Whatever it might be,

It's just this one.

Sometimes life can feel quite heavy or quite full of what there is to do that is not done yet or what there already has been.

But really,

Experientially,

In the truest sense of reality,

There is only ever just this one.

And when it's just this one,

It becomes a lot lighter,

Becomes less heavy,

Less dense,

Less tense.

It's just this one.

So this has played out very specifically for me.

Over a year ago,

I decided to create a new course,

An 111-day course on Zen called The Zen Path.

There's 111.

It seems like a lot.

But it's not a lot when it's only ever just this one.

111,

One,

One,

One.

Just this writing,

This recording,

This editing,

This one session.

And then gradually,

The entire course was created.

An added benefit to engaging in life this way is that each step is full of presence.

Present-based care equals quality outcome when I let go of the outcome,

When I focus on this one and not the idea of 111.

So you might apply this to your life in some way.

You can apply it no matter what you're doing.

If you feel overwhelmed by a big project or the weight of the future or the weight of the past,

In truth,

It's just this one.

In the words of Maya Angelou,

Here's a brand new day.

I've never seen this one before.

So if you're interested,

I do invite you to join me in the course,

The Zen Path.

111 sessions,

But each one,

Just five minutes in length.

Each one,

Just this one.

So thank you for being you.

Thank you for listening to me.

Maybe I'll see you in the course.

Please feel free to leave comments in the course.

I'd love to talk with you and have a conversation along the way,

Kind of like walking along the Zen Path together.

So I'll leave you here for now.

It's just this one.

Reviews

I always enjoy the quality of your teachings Charles - the ease and simplicity of the content and delivery. And yes, I have completed your 111 day course. Its on a continuous loop.
Thank you! 🙏🏼💓

I’m planning on it. Thanks again Charles. The simplicity and ease of your meditations brings much clarity to the experience. I’ll be there soon. 🙏

Just this one. Thank you for the the simple doable reminder that one step closer is light and less dense but you’re still moving forward. ✨🙏😌🩷

Love the breakdown! Your courses are a meaningful part of my day. Just this 1️⃣

Just this review…just this one….excellent! Like the music too.

🙏

Thank you for the reminder - just this one 🌱 a needed reminder during a difficult time

That was beautifully calming.

Helpful reminder to let go of the there and then and focus on the now 🙏

Perfect simple message! I look forward to your course!

I'm on my second journey, one step at a time, in the urgency of daily life it's a powerful 5 minute break 🙏 ✨️

"Just this one" is s very helpful mindset for someone who struggles with a lot of anxiety, perfectionism and idealism.

💛

Just this ONE’ resonated deeply with my soul’s inner knowing. Embracing presence in each moment is the gentle zen teaching that has guided my path. ✨

Thank you, Charles, for your gentle and thoughtful words. They brought a quiet comfort to my heart and offered a simple, peaceful guidance for my journey.🙏✨💛✨🌻

loved this. such a succinct and pertinent reminder.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. ♥️

Thanks! I have been taking your course for the last 80 days. Will likely do it again afterward. 😊🙏

Charles is an excellent teacher and companion. His 111 course profoundly changed me, and I'm on my second time round. I warmly recommend it.

Such a timely reminder, as always. I so enjoy walking along this path with you Charles and thank you for always bringing me back to this one precious moment.

Realizing it is always just this moment helps me let go of the next things on my internal to-do list and sink into right now whatever it holds. Thanks for the reminder