Bystander: Wisdom lurks. When we find it (or ir finds us) we are moved.
In a world of people seeking fifteen minutes of fame, or TikTok’s 15-to-60 seconds, a bystander’s non-action may appear as nonsense. Should we choose to sit and contemplate, we may think we will miss opportunities––real or perceived. When we lose our keys, in the words of John Kabat Zinn, we rush around to find them rather than sit still and let our mind recall where they are. Or from Thich Nhat Hanh, we ride the merry-go-round in anticipation of reaching the gold ring, rather than choosing to take pleasure in riding the merry-go-round to ride the merry-go-round.
Some days we find ourselves in a flurry. Everything coming at us, feeling like Ely’s frantic gladiator chefs. We would do well to stand still and mirror the blindfolded older man, to let “Newton’s apple” fall, be “in position to receive it,” and “ready” for what’s to come.
You, teachers and all of us, may have had a frenetic day: disruptive clients, multiple interruptions, outside pressures, report deadlines, a broken copier. After work, you step into your car with a sigh of relief. You arrive home to find your daughter distraught having failed to have been chosen for a prominent role in the school play. An unexpected bill arrived in the mail.
You look for serenity in the hurry-up pace of your life. You can choose to stand still, observe everything passing by, and anticipate your action like the “older man who appeared immobile in front of his frying pan.” Ready to deal with what’s in front of you.
Invite teachers you know to read my blog, written with them in mind to provide hope in these troubled times.
