We all are in a hurry to go somewhere, hankering something greater, better, most substantial and more significant than our present.
Human beings have made it necessary to run towards something, even if there is nothing to run at. It’s always a belief that one’s life has to be moving and just sitting stationary is a sin. People without a drive to go anywhere are generally looked down upon and labelled inefficient, incompetent, and lazy. One cannot be still in this fast-paced world.

Always Running

Zen teachings tell us that we are perfect as we are, where we are. Life is perfect as it is, and there is no need to rush anywhere to find happiness. 
People have this misconception that getting a better job, making more money, buying new fancy toys, will provide them with happiness, because true happiness can be attained right now, at this very moment.

Being, Not Doing

Once we stop striving to get somewhere else, only then we get off the rat race, the hamster wheel of life thrust upon us by society, and find peace in this very moment, as this is all that we have.
Just being in this perfect moment, understanding that there is nowhere to go, and immersing yourself in love and gratitude is the key to happiness.

Get Off The Hamster Wheel

<div>
<a href="https://zenrevolution.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/other-side-funny.jpg"><img src="https://zenrevolution.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/other-side-funny.jpg?w=110&amp;h=150"></a>One day a young Buddhist on his journey home came to the banks of a wide river. Staring hopelessly at the great obstacle in front of him, he pondered for hours on just how to cross such a wide barrier. Just as he was about to give up his pursuit to continue his journey he saw a great teacher on the other side of the river. The young Buddhist yells over to the teacher, "Oh wise one, can you tell me how to get to the other side of this river"?
The teacher ponders for a moment looks up and down the river and yells back, "My son, you are on the other side".
As human beings it seems as though we are constantly trying to get somewhere. More stuff, better job, next vacation, I think we can all relate to the young Buddhist in this Zen story about the other side. It is almost as if we are shouting to the world, How do I get OVER THERE? Or more implicit, right HERE is not enough so how do I get over THERE?
Therein lies the beautiful message of the story. We are already there. There is nowhere to get to.
Life is beautiful right where we are at. This moment is perfect exactly how it is. Life unfolds the way it unfolds. Our context, our view of this world will be our experience. Einstein said our greatest question is whether we view the Universe as kind or as evil?
When I hear someone express frustration in where they are at in life, I always ask a simple question- And then what?
For example:
person: 'if only I could get a different job.'
me: 'and then what?'
person: 'then I will make more money'
me: 'and then what?'
person: 'then I can buy that house/vacation/car'
me: 'and then what?'
person: 'then I will be happy?'
The actor Jim Carrey once said "I wish everyone could experience being rich and famous, so they'd see it wasn't the answer to anything."
The other side is not the answer. Once we stop striving to GET SOMEWEHRE, we get off the hamster wheel and we find peace in this moment because it is all we have.
Call to Action: 
<ul>
	<li>Stop. Breathe. Get that there is nowhere to get to. This moment right now is perfect.</li>
	<li>Get off the hamster wheel, take note when you are on this never-ending wheel and take gratitude for this moment.</li>
	<li>Be LOVE</li>
</ul>

Be well. Be Love.
Thomas D. Craig Author A Cup of Buddha and Is that so? A Modern Fable of Awakening
writer. seeker. Zen warrior </div>

One day a young Buddhist on his journey home came to the banks of a wide river. Staring hopelessly at the great obstacle in front of him, he pondered for hours on just how to cross such a wide barr...

The Other Side

Always Running

Being, Not Doing

Get Off The Hamster Wheel

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