QotD: Can't Sleep.
What do you tend to worry about in the middle of the night?
Let go of the past, let go of the future,
let go of the present, and cross over to the farther shore of existence.
With mind wholly liberated,
you shall come no more to birth and death.Dhammapada 24.348
One of the first practices that diminished greatly when I became religious/spiritual was worrying. I realized that worrying is really a lack of being awake in the present reality. I learned that the past is fixed and unchangeable. I also realized the future cannot be certain. Logically, it is irrational to worry about something that either has happened already or has not yet even happened. Spiritually, worrying lulls one to sleep and prohibits giving the present moment one's complete attention.
Luke 12:22-32 (NAB)
He said to (his) disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds! Can any of you by worrying add a moment to your lifespan? If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest? Notice how the flowers grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass in the field that grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore. All the nations of the world seek for these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides. Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
As in many areas, Jesus and Buddha agree about worry; it is not a fruitful venture. So how does one not worry? By letting go of whatever it is that you are desperately clinging to and trying to control, worries will not keep you awake at night. How do you let go? Study and meditation will help you be mindful and attentive in the present reality.
