Just This
Just this.
Two words that serve as my lifeline back to the home in my heart when I’m feeling swamped by despair, overwhelm, and distraction.
Many years ago, a friend who was a longtime Zen practitioner shared those words with me during a time of turmoil in my life. That phrase went straight to my heart. It bypassed all the crazy thoughts and intense emotions I was swimming in, and re-focused my attention on what was right in front of me.
“Just this” invites us into the question: What needs tending to in this very moment?
- It might be my heart, simply making time to feel whatever is going on inside of me, with unconditional love.
- It might be my physical wellbeing, being reminded that I need to put some wholesome food in my system, or move my body and take a long walk.
- It might be a difficult task, like making a phone call to deal with a challenging situation.
- It might be a collective step we need to take together as a community, like installing a stop sign at a dangerous intersection, or creating space for a brave conversation about race and class that’s been avoided for too long.
In the intensity of overwhelm, I can feel paralyzed or scattered. But if it’s just that one thing, I know I can do it, we can do it.
That’s the gift of “just this.” And it’s as close as my next breath.
Recently I traveled to California to address some difficult issues and tasks with my elderly parents. “Just this” was my medicine for the journey. Along the way, I met this great winged one (photo above), drying herself off after a very rainy day and night along the central California coast. She reminded me that no matter what storms come through, the sun follows – giving us a chance to spread our wings, shake off whatever has come our way, and fly into a new day.
Every moment, a new moment. Just this.
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