Me (Alexandra): Hello Universe! I went to a poetry event today.

Universe: Did you enjoy it?

A: I did! It felt good to be back in an artistically creative milieu. And it helped me take another look at myself, and I like where I’m going.

U: We are pleased to hear you say this. Would you care to expand?

A: Well it’s all about ego. And humility.

U: Yes?

A: On my morning walks I’ve contemplated humility. I started saying that I bathe my ego in humility to balance it out. Then, maybe because I’m surrounded by trees on the path down to the ravine, I started to see humility – and equanimity – as being some of the qualities of a tree. I adore trees, so I think that made me want to be like them. To emulate their quiet strength.

Anyway, yesterday I attended a Buddhist meeting for leaders in my local area. I was conscious of my ego being less front-and-centre. Of being more willing to listen to others and to really see them. And at the same time I felt very confident, which is a new thing for me. It’s as though when ego is kept in check, when it’s not an overinflated impostor, there’s room for the presence of its divine twin, the true self.

U: Excellent! And then today?

A: I read a couple of poems. Many other people read. I neither felt inferior nor superior to anyone. I recognized that everyone has their own voice, their own poetic style, their own lived experiences that they distill into poetry. I heard work I liked more , or liked less, but it all has a right to be. The word magnanimity comes to mind. It’s a very nice place to be.

Also yesterday, I had a humiliating experience which I see now as a good thing.

U: How so?

I tried a musical AI platform called Suno for the first time, late at night, not really knowing what I was doing. The results were crap, if I may speak frankly. I observed my mind wanting to feel sorry for itself, to feel discouraged and depressed. And NEVER want to try Suno again!

So I reasoned with my mind – it is my mind, after all, so if I can’t reason with it, who can?!

U: Indeed.

“Your own self is your master; who else could be? With your self well controlled, you gain a master very hard to find.” ~ Shakyamuni Buddha

A: My larger self, my true self, convinced my smaller self that the next time will be better because I’ll watch the how-to video again first, before just jumping in and hoping for the best. Also, how silly to expect a perfect result the very first time!

Human culture sees humiliation as a bad thing to be avoided at all costs. But now I see it as beneficial, as an experience that teaches me to have more humility. And if humility is quiet strength, then I am greatly benefitted.

So all in all, I’m making big internal progress. I’m feeling – as French-Canadians say – good in my skin.

U: Does your progress come solely from your morning walks and contemplation on the Alphabet of the Heart?

A: No, not at all! The foundation is my Buddhist practice. It’s because I keep focusing and determining when I’m chanting that I see and treat my Buddha nature – and everyone else’s – with awe and reverence. And that I care for myself, and others, because we’re all Buddha, here to contribute to peace on Earth. And also that I’m mastering my mind with Buddha wisdom, Buddha courage and Buddha compassion. I don’t do this for a long time, but I do it daily. Even small acts compound over time to something very interesting if they’re consistent.

U: Just so, dear one. We are interested to learn of your further progress next time we meet. Since there is no private good, your growth and development help more than you alone. We approve!

Photo by Jan Huber on Unsplash