Life Made Simple
Life Made Simple
It is absolutely necessary to sustain essence and to build on it in order to reach Presence. ─ The Teacher
It was my first year. I was a new student in the School, full of wonder, anticipation, and a bit of angst. I was attending one of my first Center meetings, and after an hour, the gathering paused for an intermission, a break from the formal section. The formal first part of the meeting was where we posed questions and shared “angles” on the Work and our self-observations.
But now it was the informal part, a chance to have a small bite and a cup of coffee, or was it informal? What kind of a break was this? I was not only young in the School, but I was a young man unfamiliar with the finery I noticed throughout the house. Impressions are food, which I soon learned, fed my higher parts, so the break was not only for refreshments like coffee; it was an interval filled with fine impressions, like using beautiful porcelain and holding intentional conversations. Sometimes it was as simple as just looking at impressions and trying to remember myself.
Think as the wise men think, but talk like the simple people do. ─ Aristotle
I was nervous, i.e., I inner considered my inexperience and beginner status in not only being in the School but in the handling (and eventually washing and drying) of the fragile antique Rose Meissen porcelain. I became more comfortable with time, feeling like a character in a play. The rush of daily life quieted on this stage. I was more in essence. I was with new friends who cherished the moment and fine impressions. I was shown how to intentionally hold the fine German porcelain. I was given confidence to be present to the fine China, to feel like I belonged. The porcelain belonged to me.
I looked closely at the Rose Meissen and looked inside myself. I felt the smooth texture of the porcelain. The simple rendering and charming beauty of these delicately painted pieces were elevating. The Rose Meissen set required a different level of attention than I was accustomed to. Time slowed down. I deliberately touched and held the cup. I sipped and allowed the saucer to perch on my palm. Everyone held a little rose in front of them. We were in a rose garden. Simple beauty, simple moments filled with lovely impressions. It warmed me; it warmed something deep inside me. It was so simple.
This was my introduction to the Work, to breaking from the machine. I was being intentional with a prop in a play, allowing my higher parts of centers to be more active. To be aware of myself while I was handling these fine Meissen pieces.
I realized the simplicity of doing the Work revolved around my intention, attention, and willingness to try new things. I was not doing complicated things. I was intentionally drinking coffee out of fine China from Germany. From the new and unfamiliar, I sought and created something new and simple in me. Essence grew.
Sometimes it all seems so silly, just as if we were making life difficult on purpose, when everything should be so simple. ─ Etty Hillesum
Rote Rose Meissen Coffee set, Germany
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