This is Fritzi, a wise bun who knows every moment of patience is worth it when she finally gets to see her human, Carly S.
Thanks, Carly and Fritzi, for the reminder that patience may be difficult but that it can also help us become stronger, wiser, and happier bunnies.
With many thanks to Rebecca L. for the adorable pic, here is Benjamin the bunny enjoying a moment among the apples.
Benjamin shares a lesson that may be difficult for many of us, particularly those of us living in a society based on Capitalism, which on some level seems to equate “having” and “owning” with being successful and happy. Is Benjamin a successful bunny because he is surrounded by many apples? Do the apples make him better than other bunnies or fundamentally happier or more peaceful?
Sure, Benjamin is fortunate to live in a loving forever home with safely supervised access to apples. But he does not own the apples, nor does he plan to carry them with him wherever he hops. Instead, he simply sits among the apples, appreciating them in the moment and leaving them for the enjoyment of whomever may stumble across them next.
May we learn from Benjamin’s example by appreciating our own good fortune–whatever it may be–and remembering that “having” does not necessarily equate to being happy. It can, however, give us an opportunity to create a legacy of generosity and kindness as we contribute to the world around us.
Today’s moment of bunniness features Gilbert the bunny, with many thanks to @hope_stokes for the awesome pic.
For me, this pic of Gilbert is a perfect reminder that we do not need to overthink each and every moment of our lives. Often, it is enough to relax and appreciate what is. It may help to have a loving hand to support and encourage us, but ultimately we are responsible for our own lives and how we choose to respond to them.
Sometimes we wonder whether this is the right moment or whether we should respond in a particular way. This helps us react responsibly and with conscious intentions. But lengthy thought-spirals that cycle through every possible outcome and every thing that could possibly go wrong will only stand between us and a true experience of our day.
Today, it is time to let go of the thought-spirals. It is time to take Gilbert’s advice and be present without analyzing each moment of the day. Otherwise, we might miss the opportunity to experience the sweetness and joy that is right here in front of us.
Thank you to Aaliya M. and her lovely bun, Nilla, for today’s moment of bunniness.
We spend so much of our lives looking for more or better than what we have, without stopping to see what is right in front of us. Nilla is here to show us we could have all we need if we would only take the time to notice.
It’s a little hard to know if Nilla is really enjoying the beauty or about to have a snack…but, either way–this is one happy bunny, living in the moment.
May we all take a moment today to stop and appreciate what is already present in our lives. Beauty and bunniness is everywhere!
And don’t forget to check out the Bunny Buddhism book!
Have you seen the Bunny Buddhism book yet?
Today’s moment of bunniness is brought to us by Arthur the bunny and his loving human, Danica L. Thank you, Danica and Arthur!
As he peers into the future, Arthur faces a sea of uncertainty. Fortunately, he is wise and knows the path will become clearer as he begins to hop. He also knows his hops will become more confident as he goes.
For us, this means today’s conscious choices and positive actions will lead to our best possible tomorrows.
Of course, it’s not always easy. Right now, it is challenging for me to stay present and make positive choices because I am still grieving. But I do the best I can, and that is always enough.
Is anything stopping you from hopping forth and making your future the best it can be?
Today we have a little bundle of bunny joy named ‘cc’ with a reminder that we can’t always live in the past.
Living in the past can be tempting at times, particularly for those of us doing our best to handle a devastating loss. Certainly, respect and appreciation for the past are important, but we must also remember that focusing too much on the past prevents us from living the life we have yet to live.
May we learn to befriend the past, while maintaining an awareness of the present, so we will be ready to welcome new moments of bunniness when they come into our lives.
With thanks to A P for the photo, here is the handsome Wucki, with an important message about beauty. May we all remember to look for the beauty in others, even when faced with those who challenge us. There is indeed beauty to be found in all bunnies, Wucki–thank you for the lovely reminder!
Still, I am facing some strong feelings of resistance. Despite the rational part of my brain knowing it is not possible, a big part of my mind is still fighting for my husband to be alive. It is only during body scans that I can feel my resistance in the form of muscle tension and feel a bit of a release as the practice progresses.
After ten months, you would think the letting go would get easier. In a way, I suppose it has. In yet another way, I know I’m not ready to let go at all.
This month, in particular, will be a tough one. My wedding anniversary is coming up in just a couple days. My husband’s birthday is next week. Without him, these celebratory moments become piercing moments of devastation.
It’s strange how confusing it all is, how difficult to know someone is gone and yet to want them back so badly. It defies all logic, and yet it is human nature. We become attached to people and, when we lose them, it’s as if we’ve lost a part of ourselves.
Knowing that letting go is such an important part of the practice is difficult to embrace. But I know I can’t keep hanging on to the desire for my husband to still be alive. It’s not healthy, and it prevents me from living the rest of my own life.
So, I try to move forward in the best way I know how, by meditating and practicing yoga and continuing to notice the ever-evolving stages of grief. Perhaps one day I will truly accept that my husband is gone, but right now–I just need to make it through this month.
Wishing love and bunniness for all, despite my heavy heart.
Bunniness comes to us today from the pensive Marshall, with thanks to Kate W. for the lovely pic.
Let’s all take a moment to pay attention to our hearts and the wisdom that lies therein–a valuable mid-week exercise to bring us back to our centers. Thank you, Marshall, for the reminder to do this from time to time.
And, if you haven’t already listened to the Running On Om podcast, I invite you to put aside some time to listen–and hopefully be inspired.
Just in case you missed the announcement on Facebook last week, I thought I’d post the interview I did with Julia Hanlon for the Running On Om podcast.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety, or grief, I hope this podcast can provide a little bit of hope. We also talk a lot about the origins of Bunny Buddhism, so if you’re interested in learning more about how Bunny Buddhism came to be, this might answer your questions.
Please let me know what you think!
ROO Podcast #130: Krista Lester on How Bunnies and Buddhism Saved Her…
Posted by Running On Om on Friday, May 22, 2015
