Be assured that every man’s success is in proportion to his average ability. The meadow flowers spring and bloom where the waters annually deposit their slime, not where they reach in some freshet only. A man is not his hope, nor his despair, nor yet his past deed. We know not yet what we have done, still less what we are doing. Wait till evening, and other parts of our day’s work will shine than we had thought at noon, and we shall discover the real purport of our toil….
Monday, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers
This passage blends the yogic ethic of Satya, As it is, and the duty of Santosha, or contentment. It invites us to see the truth of our capacities. To move beyond mere acceptance of our abilities and actions. Rather, to cultivate patience and a spirit of discovery. That the fullness of our actions remains.
There is a flavor of paradox here. An invitation to know ourselves and let go of knowing. Paradox reflects truth and gives permission for contentment.
Wisdom Teachings 