For Today, Just Let Things Be

We are a society of doers and fixers, moving impatiently from one project to the next. We have lost the gentle art of waiting. For today, why not let things be? Background music is String e by Alexander Nakarada

Transcript

Dear friends,

Welcome to this meditation which is designed to encourage us to sometimes leave things alone.

We all share a universal responsibility for the welfare of others,

And for the protection of the world for future generations.

But we have to remember that as individuals we don't have the solution to every problem.

The better world we seek has to come from a starting point of inner peace.

So in this meditation we seek to find that peace.

Can we begin by closing our eyes and coming into an awareness of the present moment?

We are here now.

When did we last notice ourselves present?

We take one minute to relax and come into the present.

Here we are,

Warts and all,

Sometimes ready to meditate,

Sometimes not.

But in any event and for whatever reason we are here.

Give thanks.

We are here.

We are here.

We are here.

We are here.

A thought before our opening bell.

This comes from Robert H.

Schuller.

Never cut a tree down in the wintertime.

Never make a negative decision in the low time.

Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods.

Wait.

Be patient.

The storm will pass.

The spring will come.

The message of this reflection is simple.

For today,

Just let things be.

We are a society of doers and fixers.

We move impatiently from one project to the next.

We want it now.

This is evident all around us.

Instant tea,

Instant coffee,

Ready-made meals,

Microwave dinners.

We have lost the gentle art of waiting.

Let's stop for two minutes of rest.

Two minutes of non-planning.

Two minutes just to be where we are.

Sometime very soon,

Make time to stop to notice the workings of nature.

Sit before the dawn and notice the coming of light.

Or in the evening,

Sit and watch the falling of darkness.

Notice the buds opening on trees.

The start of a rain shower.

Or the sun breaking through the clouds.

You know it always does in the end.

These things happen without our intervention.

They've been happening for years upon years upon years.

Let's step off the treadmill and rest for just another minute.

This is not to urge a life of permanent passivity.

Some,

Even many matters require our attention.

Very many things just have to be put right.

But all our actions benefit by coming from a place of calm.

All our interventions will benefit by coming from a starting point of reflection.

Sharon Salzberg says patience doesn't mean making a pact with the devil of denial,

Ignoring our emotions and aspirations.

It means being wholeheartedly engaged in the process that's unfolding.

Rather than ripping open a budding flower or demanding a caterpillar hurry up and get that chrysalis stage over with.

How often have we been impatient with the unfolding of events?

How often have we rushed from one speedy action to another without a moment's pause and with what benefit?

Let's rest for another two minutes.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

We all know people who speak little but wisely.

We listen to these quiet people and we pay attention to the few words they say.

We pay more attention to the rare advice they offer.

Let us imitate them by acting a little less but acting more effectively from a starting point of peace.

Let's take a minute now to give thanks for the quiet wise people in our lives.

Thank you.

So tonight as you go to bed let it be and tomorrow just for one day let the world turn without you.

You can be sure it will.

So enjoy noticing its progress.

Tomorrow notice all the many times you might otherwise be tempted to open your mouth,

Issue the quick order,

Give the smart answer.

When you're tempted to do this bite your tongue and see how many matters work out without your help and without your hindrance.

Many problems find their own solutions and for situations that don't they will benefit by being touched by a hand of peace,

A hand of calm and a hand of blessing.

Stop for a moment to notice the gift of your lungs.

Notice your breath.

Day and night you breathe in the good air.

No one tells you to do that.

You hardly notice but when you do notice you can stop and come back to the present.

The present moment is only one breath away.

Breathe in,

Hold for a second,

Breathe out,

Repeat,

Breathe in,

Hold,

Breathe out,

Repeat again,

In,

Hold,

Out.

We give thanks for this moment.

We give thanks for this life.

We have a closing prayer before the closing bell.

This is a prayer for self-acceptance and it's by Abbey Willow Root.

I am fallible and only human.

Sometimes I fail.

My best efforts are not always enough.

My best intentions and judgement can be wrong.

My sincerest beliefs can be flawed.

I am fallible and only human.

May I have the courage to accept my limitations.

May I have the flexibility and insight to change my mind.

May I have the openness to see the truths in beliefs that are not my own.

I am only human but I seek to grow in wisdom and understanding.

May each new day bring me deeper awareness of others and myself.

Namaste.

Thank you.

Reviews

Loved the pacing and theming…. Landed just right today. Grateful

Such gentle understanding of the human mind and how it works and what we can do to help ourselves remain quiet and thoughtful in times of stress and anger. Very useful.
Thank you

Excellent blend of pauses and unique, wise sentiments.

Thank you so much for the gentle reminder to give myself grace and not judge myself based on how many things I’ve checked off on my to-do list. It felt like I was being spoken to by a friend. Thank you🙏🏼

I loved this. It truly resonated with me. What a wonderful reminder...the world will and continuously does turn without me

Thought provoking and just what I needed thank you Tony

This was just what I needed this morning. And each morning. Thank you 🙏🏼

Perfect. Just what was needed today when having a moment of panic. Thank you for the peace. 🙏🪷

So nice I have found you. Calm conference and guidence for the other bits that need some more attention.
Thank you

Marvellous thank you 🙏 loved the pauses in between 😌

I liked the moments of pause. Thank you for this gentle reminder.

Absolutely needed every word. From my heart to yours- thank you.

This is a gentle reminder by Tony to take a step back before acting or speaking on the spur of the moment. I take comfort from his words of wisdom spoken in his reassuring gentle voice. Namaste 🙏🏼🕊️🌈🌟🌺

Enjoyed the guided minute intervals to let things be. Loved the voice's calmness. Great way to start the day.

It felt so good to take a break and a breath. True quiet moments.

I listen to you every morning. What a wonderful way to start my day. Such peace and warmth. Thank you

Like sitting with my papa.. such a beautiful way to wake up..

What a beautiful reminder to let things be. And the prayer at the end was beautiful too. Thank you!

I came across this by chance and it is exactly what I need right now. I am dealing with the loss of my brother - a result of years of alcohol abuse. We did not mourn as a family no wake no funeral. His ashes are with me- I had them blessed & had a mass said in his name. I am holding in grief and trying each day to put on a face and continue to do what I am supposed to - I needed this it is beautiful- I will return to it many times today - thank you

I seem to always find you and your wise words Tony just when I need them. Thank you for this and God Bless🙏🏻