Canto Eleven: Right Effort -- See the world as it is...

How free is our will
if we have not the power to execute it
in the way we at our best would wish?
Do we see the world as it really is?

Each breath we cycle in and out,
Each beat of our hearts is automatic
not related to our will or effort.
Do we see the world as it really is?

Each step we take exercises our will
even if we are unaware of it
And we learn from our breath when we meditate
and slow our hearts, listening to
the ancient refrain of our pulse.
Now we see the world as it really is!

When we control our diet and exercise
to have a healthy heart we bless
our lives and celebrate our connection to humanity.
Then we see the world as it really is.

When we pause and choose to notice
the simple rotation of Earth
we celebrate the mystery of our existence,
watching as we fall into rising Sun
and fly away from the Sunset.
Then we see the world as it really is.

When we choose to improve our minds
by studying the Sciences and literature,
History will teach us lessons to avoid suffering.
If we see the world as it really is.

And we can teach all mankind if
we make the effort to share merit
and not repeat the errors of the past.
Practice makes perfection
When we see the world as it really is.

It takes very little effort to win
if we are judicious, mindful,
consistent, careful and repetitive.
As long as we see the world as it really is!
April 17, 2009; Pullman, WA