TRIPLETS

It doesn't seem like it was that long ago when a set of triplets were conceived.  Weeks passed and the triplets developed.  As their awareness grew, they laughed for joy, "Isn't it great to be alive?"  Together they explored their world.  When they found their mother's umbilical cord which gave them life, they sang for joy!  "How great our mother's love is, that she shares her own life with us!"  As weeks stretched into months, the triplets noticed how much they were changing.

        "What does it mean?" the first one asked.  "It means our stay in this world is drawing to an end," said another.  "But I don't want to leave," said the third.  "I want to stay here forever."  "We have no choice, but maybe there is life after birth" said the first triplet. "But how can there be?  We will shed our life cord and how can life be possible without it?  Besides, we have seen evidence that others were here before us, and none of them has returned to tell us there is life after birth.  No, this is the end.  Maybe there is no mother after all." argued the second. "But there has to be," protested the third. "How else did we get here?" "How do we remain alive?  Have you ever seen our mother?" said the second triplet.  "Maybe she only lives in our minds.  Maybe we made her up because the idea made us feel good."  So the last days in the womb were filled with deep questioning and lots of fear.  Finally, the moment of birth arrived.  When the triplets had passed from their world, they opened their eyes and cried for joy -- for what they saw exceeded their fondest dreams.

            When I read a version of the above Zen story I was touched by all of the powerful life lessons it contains.  At face value the story to most will resonate with regard to our common fear of death and the question of whether there is life after death.  These are important questions to answer for each of us.  However, I believe that the message of this story is more universally applicable to all of life's transitions large and small.  The universal lesson is to live in the present moment no matter what transition from one life stage to another we face.  The one constant in all of our lives is change.  We pass through many transitions as we go through life.  Days turn into nights.  Seasons change as we pass from year to year.  We gradually progress through the stages of childhood to youth to adults to elderly.  We transition from grade school to high school to college and graduate school.  And, we are faced with the major transitions from being single to married, student to employed, and youthful to old. 

With all of the transitions that we experience in life we have a choice of how to handle each of them.  Some experience so much excitement, anxiety, remorse or fear for the upcoming stage that they forget to enjoy the stage that they are completing.  To me that is the message that resonates with me.  Although I do not fear death I have had my share of life transitions that I have struggled with accepting just as the triplets in the story.  I assure you that no matter what life changes or transitions you are currently faced with, it is essential for our peace and happiness to live life to the fullest.  Joyfully complete the stage of life you are living and finish strong.  Then courageously take on the  next stage in life.  Live in the present moment without any regrets of the past and without any fear of the future.

KAIZEN!!!!

Respectfully,

  

Steven M. Erickson

Sensei.Erickson@KiInspiringThoughts.com

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