Finding peace in the pile of dung

Many years ago I traveled to Taiwan to live with Buddhist monks.

I stayed at the monastery for a month. Practicing meditation. Learning about Buddhism. Hanging with the monks. And drinking lots of tea. I learned a lot.

Especially how to "access" a part of myself that is fundamentally different than the one that chases success. Which is a relief. Because the part that chases success is always caught up in doing more, getting better, creating more wealth, being stronger, eating healthier, and on the carnival goes...


Don't get me wrong. There's nothing bad about those things. They are part of being human and help us navigate the world.

But it's nice to recognize the thing in yourself that's already enough.

That even in the pile of dung (as the Zen saying goes), you can access peace.

And don't worry, you don't have to meditate or become a Buddhist or travel to Taiwan to do it. You just gotta relax. Take an expectant and grateful attitude. And see what arises.

I know it sounds sappy. But in my experience it's been true.

That's all for now folks.

Enjoy your day.

Tyler McCune

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