Pema Chödrön that also emphasizes the simplicity of being rather than doing, from her book "The Wisdom of No Escape":
"The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently. The ground of practice is you or me or whoever we are right now, just as we are. That's what we come to know with tremendous curiosity and interest. The honesty and gentleness are essential. And this is the simplicity of practice: just being with ourselves as we are."
Pema Chödrön underscores the importance of simplicity in mindfulness practice by encouraging us to be with ourselves as we are, without rushing to change or fix anything. It's about gently allowing ourselves to be, rather than constantly doing or striving.
"A Leisurely Life"
"In the quiet of the evening, I sit alone,
Surrounded by the sounds of nature.
The flowers bloom and the birds sing,
And I find solace in their company.
With no ambitions to chase or burdens to bear,
I embrace the ease of a simple life.
The pleasures of a leisurely day are enough,
For I am content in the moment’s gentle embrace."
This poem reflects Su T'ung Pao’s embrace of a simple, unhurried lifestyle. The imagery of flowers and birds symbolizes a harmonious relationship with nature, and the poet’s contentment with a leisurely life highlights his appreciation for the simplicity and ease of being present in the moment.
