Today, David Rynick, abbot of Boundless Way Zen Temple, Worcester, MA. spoke at the monthly meeting of The Wellness Roundtable Holistic Practitioners Network. David is an engaging, inspiring and lighthearted guy. His realistic and observant style makes one feel at ease with the oftentimes unpredictable moments of life.

I had a full day, all day. Yes, I am very grateful for having an abundant practice doing work I love. Working by appointment, although, seemingly well planned out, does not always go as planned.

Aware that I was running a bit tight on time leaving the meeting to get home for a late morning appointment, I chided myself to allow more breathing room and transition time between meetings, appointments and other commitments centered around time. As I waited for my client to show up, I realized he wasn’t going to make it. A situation that usually gets me a bit annoyed, seemed to be rolling off my shoulders. I made my call to the client, encouraging him to call to reschedule when he had a minute. I have an agreement with this one client to give him a reminder call on the day of or day before his appointment. Well, I didn’t follow through this time, so I bore some responsibility as well for him not showing up.

I became aware of the gentlest of shifts towards what would be the next priority for the time I now had as free or unscheduled. I felt my energy flowing versus getting stuck in annoyance and felt pleased with that ability to let go and shift my attention.

Now catching up on returning calls and emails, I realized this time would be well spent. Then the phone rang and my last appointment of the day was canceling because of a head cold. He was feeling lousy and didn’t want to pass it on to me either. Thank you!

Flow. Another adjustment ahead of me for what I had anticipated would be a full afternoon seeing clients. Now, I only had one appointment remaining, one out of three.
What now? More opportunities to catch up, connect or possibly even do nothing? Hmmm, this feels different than other interactions with the time of my day. I notice a freedom in my energy and in my inner talk allowing the afternoon to unfold with less structure.

Flow. I realized my calm attitude towards the uncertainty of my plans for the day lied in the mornings experience with a Zen Master who kindly acknowledged the reality of our lack of control with so much of our day, gently mindfully observing, removing judgment for outcome and reward.

I decided to spend some time when my last appointment, of this not so full day, left, sitting in meditation. But first, I picked an inspiration card from a bowl in my office. These cards just have one word on them. The card I picked said “Flow.” Okay, okay, I’m listening!! I don’t need to be hit over the head with the message of the day!! It was indeed a moment of synchronicity for me. Further there was a reading related to the word in a companion book which read: “Flow – to guide along smoothly, to move as a fluid, a time to go with the flow, takes things as they come. Not a time to resist or be disruptive.

A flow of abundance and positive happenings abound if you allow yourself to be carried forward. Every moment flows in to the next, moving changing. Be open to a change in your plans. An easier course is at hand. Be aware of a gentle flowing of positive progress. Rise above the obstacles, and allow the Universe to carry you to your right and proper place.”

Ha! I laughed right out loud, sat on my meditation cushion and flowed, watching my busy mind quiet, moment by moment. Ahhhh, delightful.