Most of us think that we have to sort out what's valuable and what isn't. If something doesn't meet our needs or standards, we often toss it away, labelling it as waste, or garbage. We do this with all kinds of things, including people and relationships. But Zen practice teaches there is no such thing as garbage. Everything has value and can be received as nourishment. Left over food can be wonderful in soup, a wilted vegetable can provide for the soil. Difficulty in relationships can help us grow in so many ways. When we view difficult people and situations as nourishing, rather than toxic, everything turns around. Not only do people respond to the way in which we see them, but the rough experiences we can turn into jewels. Our view is expanded, our heart opened, and we do not live in dread or anger,, which constricts every part of our life. It is a great art to learn how to digest and absorb all of our experience, so that nothing is tossed away or goes to waste.
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