The Way Things Are

I'm learning to be present to the ways things are, which includes accepting my feelings about the way things are. So many times we run away, get out of the way or slip behind the scenes to avoid the way things are. I don't think you can do that. Being present to the way things are doesn't mean I'm accepting things as they are without negative feelings, or pretending I like it. I'm not going to some "higher plan of existence" that's for sure! It, whatever it is, catches up to you, and asks (sometimes demands!) you deal with it. 

I can feel anxious about the reading or work for the class, or feel overwhelmed with client work for the upcoming week. It makes me feel irritable or inadequate to meet the expectations I have placed on myself, my family and others. But just simply being present with these feelings shrinks their power a bit.  I'm learning to let things sit by my side, and be present to the way things are right now.