i am less afraid

When I understood that living was very much about deepening inner knowledge, and seeing things as they really are instead of through ignorance, I became less afraid of the moments that felt difficult and absent of joy.

I stepped out of my narrow view. I saw the enormous world for what it offered — lesson after lesson after lesson.

I saw what each lesson offered me — awareness, clarity, discernment, and stability. 

I asked, “What am I supposed to notice that I haven’t?”. 

And joy — I saw it as a gift that would come if I was willing to let go of everything that stood in the way of it. This includes wrong thinking, wrong speaking, and wrong acting.

I accepted that everything I receive, both pleasant and unpleasant, is a part of my destiny. To resist this would be to swim against the current of my life.

Now, as my perception gets sharper, I am less afraid of what lies ahead —

for no matter what comes… 

it teaches me what I need to know.

Joy may grant me ease.

But knowledge will grant me freedom.