We scroll through social media feeds bombarded by curated perfection. Lives seemingly effortless, relationships picture-perfect. But beneath the carefully crafted veneer, a deeper truth resonates: we’re all just “winging it.” This, according to Charlie Mackesy’s heartwarming book, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” is the very essence of being human.
“How do they look so together and perfect?” asked the boy. “There’s a lot of frantic paddling going on beneath,” said the horse.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
“Have you met others who have struggled?” asked the boy. “I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t,” said the horse. – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
“The truth is everyone is winging it.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
Tonglen meditation asks us to look at the humans around us and realize that everyone is fighting a battle that we know nothing about. And that although we can’t fight their battles for them, when we choose to see people with compassion, our own attitudes change to the people around us, and when we respond to the world differently we’ll find that the world around us changes too.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” asked the horse. “Kind,” said the boy.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
“Everyone is a bit scared”, said the horse. “But we are Less scared together.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling at odds with the world, like we’re in a constant battle with the humans around us. But when we always see the world as a dangerous place, we find ourselves isolated and alone, always defensive – and this is a really exhausting way to live.
“Sometimes all you hear about is the hate, but there is more love in this world than you could possibly imagine.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
It’s only when we deliberately choose to see the humans around us with love, and recognize that everyone is somewhat wounded and just doing their own best to survive, that we have a shot at doing better together.
“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy. ‘Help,’ said the horse. ‘Asking for help isn’t giving up,’ said the horse. ‘Asking for help is refusing to give up.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
“The funny thing is,” said the mole… “the tiniest act of kindness can save life.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
“But what do we do when it’s our hearts that hurt?” asked the boy. “We wrap them with friendship, with shared tears and time, till they wake hopeful and happy again.” – the Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse
“Human-ing” is a team sport, and we only play it well when we choose to see our team members as the manifestation of life itself.
Here are some guiding mantras to reflect on:
- Everyone is on their own journey. Let go of comparisons and embrace the shared human experience.
- Kindness is strength. Choose compassion over isolation.
- Vulnerability fosters connection. Asking for help is not a weakness, it’s the foundation for true teamwork.
- Small acts matter. A simple gesture of kindness can have a ripple effect.
- We are all on Team Human. Together, we can create a more hopeful and happy world.
Join us for a Tonglen meditation session – a powerful tool to cultivate compassion and strengthen your connection to “Team Human”. Remember, you’re not alone. We’re all in this, paddling furiously but with a shared destination: a more connected, kinder world.
Come and wave the flag for “team human” !!!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Tonglen!
(Image credit: “The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse” by Charlie Mackesy)