I've been thinking a lot about lifetimes. The lifetimes we circle around in this particular lifetime, and those before and after. I've often thought that the whole karma/reincarnation concept is, in addition to its intent as spiritual teaching, an actual metaphor for the actions we take in this lifetime. I'm sure this isn't an original thought. There must be someone out there teaching this as I write here.
Nevermind what the result of our actions will be in the next lifetime, but what about in this lifetime? If we keep taking the same actions over and over again, we are destined to experience the same sufferings. But switch things up a little and maybe we reincarnate on a little higher plane right here in this lifetime.
Part of what has me thinking about this at this particular time is of course the passing of my partner's father. But also the Metta or lovingkindness meditation I've been practicing more regularly. As I meditate for my own and others' happiness, peace, safety, freedom and ease, I think more about the type of person I'd like to be. The enlightened beings return to suffer along with us, with the vow to reincarnate until all beings every where are safe, happy and free.
In the midst of my own daily angst about things large and small, I have moments where I see the power and potential of all actions. When we act in love and kindness, from the heart, we can make a difference in the trajectory of our own lives and the lives of others.
Small things matter. Small kindnessess are great ones. And difficult times give us the opportunity of course to open our hearts wider, to ourselves and those who lives touch ours.
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