By Susan L
I volunteered to share last Sunday before remembering that my husband would not be coming with me today. He and I had a laugh about it. I am more reserved and quiet so he was surprised that I volunteered to share even though he wasn’t going to be here. I have shared other times but he was always here to cheer me on.
I volunteered after hearing Kaz share last week about change and evolution. And it got me thinking about different things and here is where my thoughts landed. Change and growth also means knowing that it is okay to be a little uncomfortable as you change and grow and evolve. So I am feeling a little bit uncomfortable as I share today and it is okay.
I have shared in the past about growth mindset. That is the belief that your basic abilities can be developed over time through effort. One word can help make a difference in cultivating that mindset. The one word is yet. Rather than thinking I can’t do it. I can say I can’t do it yet. This idea has value in that the focus is on working hard and improving. There are limitations, of course. I may not become an accomplished orator giving inspirational speeches but I can become more comfortable speaking in a room of people. I may not become an accomplished writer but I can practice and learn to be a better writer.
Another word that can make a difference in your thinking is using the word get instead of have. I don’t have to go to work on Monday but rather I get to go to work on Monday. Today I did not have to share but I get to share. That change of one word did change my thinking. It had the effect of making me feel more gratitude. I did not have to be here but I get to be here to share my thoughts. I get to come to Hakone Zendo and I get to be a part of this community.
Change and growth can be a little uncomfortable and that is okay. Because I might not be able to do it yet but I get to do it.
Thank you.
Hakone Zendo 