Path of Obstacles

Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path. 

– Zen Proverb

"Obstacles do not block the path, they are the path."  A gentleman recently mentioned this line he quoted from Proverbs, in the Bible.  The Bible?  I had to come home and look it up because I didn't remember that particular quote coming from biblical scripture.  I remembered reading it somewhere, however, and it turns out I was right.  I read it years ago.  The quote is from a proverb, but a Zen Buddhist proverb, not a biblical one.  Where it originated, however, detracts little from the truth of it.

During my talks, especially as chaplain at the medical center, I constantly tout the virtues of obstacles along our personal path.  The problems we encounter in life are nothing more than lessons to be learned, tests to be taken, and tasks to complete, as we graduate from one aspect of our life to another.  Obstacles prepare us to move on from this life, this existence, and transition into the next.

"If you miss the present moment, you miss your appointment with life. That is very serious!"

-- Thich Nhat Hanh, monk, Zen Master

Obstacles are a means of discovery.  I often tell my PTSD audience that failure should not be viewed as a bad thing.  Failure is the way we truly learn.  If you don't do something wrong, how do you truly know if you are doing it right?  When we were born, we learned to walk, and we fell often until we learned to do it right, and then we moved forward and learned to run.  Life is full of lessons.  Learn from the past to be engaged in the present.  The present is what it is until it isn't.  Don't concern yourself with the future, as it will arrive regardless of our concerns and, once again, it will be what it is, the present.

What we consider to be difficult is only so until we become good at it, and then we wonder why we ever thought it was.  Carpe Diem!  Seize upon each day as if it were your last.  Constantly smile, if for no other reason than to make those around you wonder why.  If we approach each morning with sincere thanks for another chance to excel in life, we begin our day with an attitude which can be nothing more than acceptant of the tasks ahead.  Have no expectations.  Don't look at the "in-basket" of work to be done but, rather, complete each task as you get to it and then move on to the next.

"Do not allow the future to trouble your mind; for you will come to it, if come you must, bringing with you the same reason that you now apply to the affairs of the present."

-- Marcus Aurelius (121-180 A.D.), Roman emperor, Stoic philosopher

Don't concern yourself over those things for which you have no control.  Life is a series of tests which involve choices and consequences.  Make good choices and get good consequences.  Inversely, make bad choices and get bad consequences.  If you don't pass the test, learn from your mistake and make a better choice until you arrive at the consequence you seek.  The only failure in life is when we stop living it.  We will find truth in Heraclitus' philosophy, "The only thing that is constant is change."  Changes will occur regardless of our attempts to prevent them.  Better to learn from the change, make adjustments, and move on.

"This is the real secret of life – to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play."

-- Alan Watts (1915-1973), author, theologist, Zen Buddhist

Anger accomplishes nothing and reveals much.  Honesty is an easier pill to swallow if it isn't washed down with vinegar.  Learn how to communicate.  I learned my communication skills in the military.  Learn to listen respectfully, ask questions when appropriate, and then respond respectfully.  Clear communication is a method of mitigating obstacles.

My personal path has been rife with obstacles, some large, most small, but all have been an impetus for change.  Everything depends on everything else.  We are nothing without those around us, and if we think we are, we are alone.  We cannot be viewed as something without someone else to view us.  We cannot use a tool without a tool to use.  We cannot recognize dark without knowing light, bitter without knowing sweet, peace without knowing anger, or a clear path without encountering obstacles.  

To everything, there must be an opposite. To everything, there must also be a balance.  When the irresistible force meets the immovable object, something will happen.  Some change will occur.  The change will be balanced equally, by the universe, in some way.  I have witnessed, many times, when one door closed and another opened, when one opportunity was missed and another presented itself.  I have heard people state that this never happens to them.  I would say, they were too wrapped up in the loss to see it.

Obstacles are a part of this game of life.  Obstacles are God's way of teaching us to play the game.  Learn to play, and have fun doing it.

"Our actions may be impeded, but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."

-- Marcus Aurelius (121-180 A.D.), Roman emperor, Stoic philosopher

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.