Cattāri Brahmavihārā

This Anapanasati Day I’m not observing largely due to a lack of energy and the exigencies of my job. I have, if you haven’t noticed, been in a funk now for months as a result of ever worsening financial issues at work but a trying hard to keep the correct perspective on the situation.

It occurred to me this morning that much of my low-energy and negativity has to do with my fixation upon all that is “wrong.” In short, by constantly keeping the shortcomings of my situation in mind and allowing the aversion to take up residence in my heart I have been cultivating a depression of sorts. But, what else is there to do in such a situation? What good does being positive do?

The idea of being positive in and of itself for no good reason seems to be folly at best but to dismiss the many blessings of our lives that coexist with the sufferings is just as foolish. So it seems the only skilfull response is to be grateful for all of the many blessings on the pathncluding the very suffering that has brought me to despondency. I see now why this realm is ideal to inspire a longing after liberation. May I not squander these gifts and may I ever remain grateful to my teachers, whatever and whoever they may be.