Perhaps Watashi wa’s last post sounded a bit defeatist. That was not my intention. I am not saying that we should give up, sit back, and do nothing while we are alive. Quite the opposite. Watashi wa believes deeply that we should never hold back, we should give ourselves and our talents to the world and to others wholeheartedly, and without expecting anything in return. That is the only way to live with dignity, and to die happy.
Give yourself fully. And when you have nothing left to give, then give some more.
Give what you have to give irrespective of whether it is valued or appreciated. If you give but only in the hope of recognition or reward, then you are like a small child clamouring for its mother’s attention. There is no dignity in that, and it is not a good way to live.
There is nothing at all wrong with a ‘to do’ list. BUT, the important thing is to address the things on it with joy and ease. To do them with anxiety and resistance is not so valuable.
How always to act with joy and ease? I wish I knew. But what I do know is that even the most tedious of tasks gains meaning when you do it to the best of your ability, and when you can see it as an expression of your fundamental sincerity. That’s a start.
watashi-wa in the snow 