Now that we’re into the second half of the year, Kendo says that it’s a good time to reflect back, and to look forward.

When you visit the Nagasaki retreat, you find that there are several references to ‘taking stock’ – seeing where you’ve come from, where you are now, and where you’re heading. The most obvious example of this is in terms of our life path, which you can consider when you stop at the ‘Pathway Bench’, and reflect on all the challenges and difficulties you’ve successfully overcome. This achievement is something to be proud of, and shows that you have strength upon which you can depend for the future, whatever it may have in store for you.

But, as Kendo wanted to make clear during last weekend’s Event, there are other ways of taking stock, which can be surprisingly empowering.

Kendo points out that it is fundamental to Buddhism that we we seek to live right, to be the best we can be, and support our families and communities the best we can. In day-to-day life, this often takes the form of simply pausing to reflect upon the most enlightened choice in any given situation – before reacting to someone, pause, take a mindful breath, and remember that they have their own difficulties, and they, too, may occasionally feel somewhat overwhelmed. If they are short-tempered, they may not be being malicious, just stressed-out, and the best way to help them is to respond to them as if their purest Buddha nature were being presented to you. Kendo points out that this is a very powerful way to break into negative cycles of interaction between people, and brings harmony where none might otherwise develop.

Moving from challenge to challenge in the most enlightened way possible is an excellent way to live, but if we are too preoccupied with the stoney obstacles on the path of life, we may fail to look up often enough, and be inspired by the beauty of the flowers, trees, and the sky.

Kendo tells us that diligence in life is incredibly worthy, but remember that beyond your duties, you are a part of a bigger and much more beautiful picture, and doing this can bring you immense inspiration – which you richly deserve.

Kendo tells us to remember that life is about more than prevailing on the path – he tells us to drink in the inspiration that comes from looking up, and recognising that we are part of an elegant and excellent bigger picture, and realising this is both hugely rewarding and empowering, and it significantly empowers our diligence too, ever raising our game for our own future, and that of all we touch.