YEAR OF ZEN: AUTUMN: DAY 51

Indians Spear Fishing - Albert Bierstadt

Q: We reach a good state of mind and then treat someone poorly. Does this mean that practice has done nothing?

A: No, regression is a natural law. I would maybe use the metaphor of climbing up a mountain. You my have gradual slides on the way to the top but if you overcome them and keep climbing you will ultimately arrive at a higher place. And then another higher place. And then eventually you are on the summit and gaining new perspectives. I think regressions, while generally not pleasant, are also helpful in that they can help lead to moments of pause, analysis, and recommitment. This is a core part of the philosophy I live my life by.