the eightfold path to impeachment

How do we continue Buddhist practice and let go of the desired (and very righteous) outcome in these daily drama filled eventful politics? There is so much suffering and purposeful cruelty–so much at stake for so many vulnerable people. We can’t do nothing; we can’t just let go of thoughts and emotions. What to do? Why isn’t Ms. Pelosi motivated to impeach? Oh my God, why is she doing it now? Is it good? Will it work? What if…?

These events are stressful, but when I think this way, I make it worse. How can we know what is around the corner? We want to know; we want to know soooo bad that we construct a scenario of “what ifs” and “after that, then this will happen…” We trot out our great knowing of politics, of history, of psychology. And it all amounts to less than nothing. It is of less-than-nothing value because it stirs arguments and increases anxiety. And anyway, we can’t know.

When we are worked up and distressed, we need to remember the basics. TAKE THE NEXT BREATH. How can we possibly know or do the right thing when we are lost in imagination, anger and fear mongering? Take the next breath, find the ground under your feet, connect to the earth, put one foot in front of the other and be guided by the energy that takes you to right action. In Buddhism we call this guided one foot-in-front-of-the other, this step by feel action “The Eightfold Path.”

The Eightfold Path is the continuous activity of living on the ground while inhabiting the vast expansive sky. The Eightfold Path is an ongoing experiential process, so following the Eightfold Path is not something you get or have, it’s something you do. Even the use of the word “path” suggests movement; we may walk, we may continue along, and we may explore all of the possibilities we encounter along the way. We travel this path, we walk this path, and as students of Buddhism, our life becomes a walking pilgrimage. Offering our vows, feeling the earth, and allowing our wholehearted response to this world.

If this drama has humor, enjoy. If it exposes tragedy, cry. When it’s time to protest, march on. When it exhausts you, feel it and then– rest and play. Stay present on your path with the earth as your companion. Neither think you have the answer, nor look away from this moment. As Maurine Stuart roshi taught: Just don’t avert. Let your connection to the earth under your feet whisper to your toes: take the next step.

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Grace Schireson