"Do not pursue the past. Do not lose yourself in the future. The past no longer is, and the future has not yet come. Look deeply at life, just as it is arising in the very here and now. Recognize it - invincible, unshakable. Care for it with your heart and mind."

The Buddha

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My sister Mona and I have observed certain concepts embedded repeatedly in the piles of books we jointly mine for insight, comfort, and inspiration. So pervasive are these ideas that they have taken on a tone of universal indisputable truth, and as such it seems can be - should be - embraced as guideposts for a life that is at least tolerable, if not always downright joyful and enlightened.

This morning I was watching the many bees that were enjoying my garden of poppies. At the same time I was anxious about some discussion we had here about possible strategies for exploring new areas of Mexico and our work and future residency.

Later I read the lines below in an article about living abroad...

"The past is history. You cannot change it. You can only draw conclusions from it. You do not know the future. You can only influence the present. The present is the only time, in which you can make meaningful decisions. Considering these facts you make wiser decisions if you practice some timeless wisdom. Live one day at a time. Do not worry about anything. Living with this attitude keeps you alive and healthy."

How many variations of this advice have we all encountered? And yet it is among the most difficult for some of us to embrace. Maybe this is why it is at the heart of so many teachings, and advice that we need to keep receiving from wherever we encounter it.

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