“Each of you is perfect the way you are ... and you can use a little improvement.”

― Shunryu Suzuki

_{Photo by Shiva Smyth from Pexels}

The biggest problem you face in life is attachment. This is the core truth, and nothing else is necessary to those who have ears to hear. For the rest of us, keep reading.

Pleasure

We all suffer and struggle to find our place... to find peace... to find some kind of reward. As soon as we feel we have achieved some type of accomplishment, the moment is over and it begins to slip away. So, the natural reaction is to hold on to that moment and try to extend it out as far as possible. Thus we become attached to some achievement which is now in the past.

Pain

At the same time, we also suffer and struggle to avoid difficulty... to stay safe... to avoid some kind of pain. When we feel like we have identified some type of discomfort or even the possibility of discomfort, we instinctively take action to steer away from it. Thus we become attached to some fear which is currently in the unknown future.

Common mechanisms

These two basic mechanisms going towards pleasure and away from pain are core motivators that affect ALL life. These drives are innate, basic, and ever-present. It is as important to be aware of this as it is futile to try and ignore them.

In order to find true balance we must do two things at the same time:

1. Be mindful of the push/pull of these forces in our life.
2. Let go of our attachment to these forces.

Perfectly imperfect

This is where the paradox of non-attachment can become tricky. We want to "let go", but we also want to make changes to our existing patterns and habits. How do we have a goal and no goal at the same time?

The trick is to keep one very important thing in mind... this is a process, and each stage in the process is just as important as any other!

This means that where ever you are now is precisely where you need to be. On a good day, things may flow and be easier... on a bad day, things may be more difficult. But, in any case, the place you are in right now is appropriate for your current needs and abilities.

This is what Shunryu is trying to tell us. Everyone is "perfect" right now. There is no need to worry or fret about achievement or anything else. At the same time, there is always room for improvement... our practice is never ending.

When you let go of fear and desire, you can focus on right now. Since right now is perfect, all you have to do is just not get in the way. Allow life to unfold and enjoy the ride.

Practicing non-attachment is a long term exercise that can last as long as you do! The secret is to learning to live in the moment (not the future or the past), to enjoy the process, and to understand that everything is perfect right now, and getting "more" perfect every day.