Another Approach

With surroundings quiet and peace close at hand
and circumstances engineered just as we planned,
we add soothing music and aromatic scents,
and become free from disturbing, unending events.
It may feel that this contrived structure provides
a chance to sink deep, to sink deep inside.

While this meticulous plan may offer a break
there is far more here, far more at stake
far more than planned spiritual naps,
life only punctuated by scheduled gaps,
peace parceled out on an ad hoc basis
an occasional visit to a fleeting oasis.

Another approach exists to find peace
that remains independent of thoughts or beliefs,
on postures or music or location or dress
or on so-called transgressions or the need to confess.
This approach is for all those who use the word "I",
no requirement for membership and no need to apply.

Moving from comfort into the unknown,
we accept, no resistance, all that is shown.
All is allowed and met in the present
without attaching a label of good or unpleasant.
Regardless of environment and what we once thought
peace is ever-present, not just when it's sought

We make this our practice until we forget,
practice disappears, an illusory step.
With attention to now, this flow never halts
and naked awareness becomes our default.
No more conditions, recognized as just "this",
we come home to the Self... existence, consciousness, bliss.