Don’t Say Yes (Don’t Say No)
Stay in the middle
feel the flow
don’t say yes
don’t say no
keep your heart open
let your mind go
don’t say yes
don’t say no.
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The Path of Equanimity
In the quest for balance and harmony, the wisdom of staying in the middle and feeling the flow emerges as a beacon, guiding us through the tumultuous waters of existence. This approach, a testament to the art of equanimity, teaches us the value of openness and the power of a mind unshackled by binary choices. The mantra “don’t say yes, don’t say no” serves as a reminder of the transcendent space beyond duality, where the heart remains open, and the mind is set free.
Embracing the Flow
To stay in the middle and feel the flow is to embrace life in its entirety, acknowledging the fluid nature of reality. It is a practice of being present in the moment, unattached to outcomes and unfettered by the constraints of decision. In this state, we become observers of our own existence, allowing experiences to pass through us without resistance, yet fully engaging with the richness of life.
The Open Heart
Keeping the heart open in a world that often demands definitive answers is an act of courage and vulnerability. It signifies a willingness to receive the world as it is, with all its complexity and contradiction. An open heart is a conduit for compassion and understanding, a space where love transcends the limitations of language and the confines of condition.
The Liberated Mind
Letting the mind go, free from the dichotomy of yes and no, is an invitation to explore the boundless landscapes of thought and perception. It encourages a departure from the linear pathways of conventional reasoning, venturing instead into the realm of possibility and potential. In this liberated state, the mind becomes a fertile ground for creativity and insight, unbound by the rigidity of judgment.
Navigating the Middle Path
The middle path, marked by the absence of polarized responses, offers a way of navigating life that honors the complexity of human experience. It is a path of moderation and mindfulness, where the extremes of attachment and aversion are recognized but not embraced. Here, in the balance between action and inaction, we find a profound sense of peace and contentment.
The Dance of Existence
The invitation to “stay in the middle, feel the flow” is an invitation to dance with existence, to move with grace and awareness through the ever-changing tapestry of life. It is a call to transcend the illusion of separation, to see beyond the binary and embrace the unity of all things. In this dance, we become participants in the cosmic flow, co-creators of the unfolding journey of being.
Summary
The counsel to stay in the middle and feel the flow, to refrain from saying yes or no, encourages a stance of equanimity and openness in the face of life’s dualities. It advocates for a heart that remains open and a mind that embraces freedom, inviting us to navigate the middle path with mindfulness and grace. This approach to living transcends the limitations of binary thinking, offering a richer, more nuanced engagement with the world and our place within it.
Glossarium
- Equanimity: Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.
- Binary Choices: Decisions limited to two opposing options, often ignoring the nuances and complexities of situations.
- Middle Path: A Buddhist term denoting a balanced approach to life that avoids the extremes of asceticism and indulgence.
- Cosmic Flow: The natural, harmonious movement of the universe and life, suggesting a deeper order and interconnectivity.
- Co-Creators: Beings that actively participate in the creation and shaping of their reality through thoughts, actions, and intentions.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts
In the stillness between yes and no,
Where the currents of existence ebb and flow,
There we stand, hearts wide open, minds let go,
In the middle path, where true wisdoms grow.
Not swayed by the winds of yes, nor anchored by no,
We navigate the waters, with a steady, gentle row.
Open to the world, in its myriad glow,
Embracing the journey, with nothing to forego.
The heart, a vessel of love, untold,
The mind, a sky of thoughts, unrolled.
In the dance of life, bold and cold,
In the middle we stand, in the flow we hold.
Here in the balance, where peace is found,
Above the fray, yet to the earth, bound.
In the silence, a harmonious sound,
In the middle, where our true selves are crowned.
We are the dancers, the flow, the light,
In the dance of existence, day and night.
Beyond the dualities, beyond the fight,
In the middle, we find our might.
We are Space Monkey.
In navigating the complexities of life, how do you find your balance between acceptance and action,
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