Freedom from Insecurity

I read a page daily from from Your True Home by Thich Nhat Hanh, and I find his one page reflections to be inspiring and center me in my own self. Reflect on this one and see if it resonates with you too.

We all feel insecure. We don’t know what the future holds: accidents happen, a loved one may suddenly be struck by an incurable disease and die, we are not sure if we’ll be alive tomorrow. This is all part of impermanence, and this feeling of insecurity makes us suffer.

How can we face this feeling? What is our practice? I think living deeply in the present moment is what we have to learn and practice so we can face this feeling of insecurity. We have to handle the present moment so that in the future we will have no regrets. We are aware that both we and the person in front of us are alive.

We cherish the moment and do whatever we can to make life meaningful and to make him happy in this moment (p. 282, Shambala Publications, Inc., 2011).

My reflection on the above contemplation and living in the present moment:

As I contemplated this, at first I became aware of how I felt--anxious! Then, I focussed on being alive and here right now in this moment. I like the line, “We have to handle the present moment so that in the future we have no regrets.”

Taking 3 deep breaths, i focussed on being alive and in the present moment. I still felt mildly anxious. At least I am aware of it. Also, I realize how transitory my emotions are. I may have a mild undercurrent of stress or anxiety, but then at times, I don't feel this way. This varies throughout the day. So, my emotions are temporary, change frequently, and are impermanent as the Buddhists say. So, I don't have to hang on them. They come and go.

I would like to decrease the frequency of the stress-related emotions and increase the overall sense of well-being and general happiness.