Playing The Game of Life

Creating an oasis of inner peace can be hard work. Actively interacting with a chaotic outer world often threatens to undo all that has been accomplished. Consequently, we may begin to minimize engagement with our environment. As a conscious, unafraid preference, this is unremarkable.

However, if it arises from a fear-based avoidance, sense of inability, and or unwillingness to face difficult situations or conversations, this option will provide us little relief or growth – because our perceived provocations are but our own projections.

Whether we retreat to the Himalayas or remain here as men and women of the world, we will very likely encounter exactly the same demons. After all, they live within us. (If you wonder about this, I suggest reading Tenzin Palmo’s experience as described in the book, “Cave In The Snow” by Vicki Mackenzie.)

Running away from the game of life is not the same as rising above all games. Resisting something only perpetuates it. So a defensive retreat can leave us stuck with the very challenge we are unwilling to meet.