Esteemed Reader

That is perfect. This is perfect. Perfect comes from perfect. Take perfect from perfect, the remainder is perfect.
Om shanti, shanti, shanti. May peace and peace and peace be everywhere.
—Eesha Upanishad

A Conversation With Myself
Nothing is wrong.
What? What do you mean?
Nothing is wrong.
Of course something is wrong. Everything is wrong! Look at the world!!
I am. Nothing is wrong.
Lots of things are wrong. People are brutally killing one another. There is no justice. Criminals are in power. The masses swallow lies like doses of Prozac. Our “free country” is fast becoming a police state. How can you say nothing is wrong?
If it could be different it would be. Nothing is wrong.
Well what about you? You need improvement. You’re constantly distracted. You’re always getting angry or depressed. You lie. Don’t you wish you were better, or at least different?
Yes. Nothing is wrong.
Well how do you expect anything to change if you don’t see what’s wrong?
Begin by seeing what is there. Only when you totally accept what you see, and that it is perfect, will there be the possibility of change.
But I only notice things that irritate me or give me pleasure.
Precisely the difficulty. Start noticing more. Notice everything. Become a witness. Verify the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle: to watch produces a change, a transformation.
But when I try to watch I start analyzing what I see. I start judging, comparing.
When you notice that you are dreaming, watch again. It is only your ideas that give the impression that anything should be other than it is.
That’s all fine, but what can I do?
You can’t do anything as you are. As long as you are on the treadmill, chasing the carrot and running from the stick, you are a machine, reacting to a stimulus. What you have to do is watch, but then that isn’t really “doing”, is it?
Can I ever take a real action?
All is perfect. You are perfect. The world is perfect. When you see this—really see it—in yourself, in your life, then you will be able to do something that has relevance. Otherwise you will always be partial.
Other than “noticing” is there anything else I can practice?
Practice gratitude. Stop dwelling on what is lacking. Rather, be thankful for what is. Not in some sentimental way, but sincerely. And not only for the “good things.” Also be thankful for what is unpleasant—for it all. This will increase your capacity to witness, and to respond. Remember: nothing is wrong.

—Jason Stern