by Hoa Newens

Acceptance and creation, the yin and yang of life.
We cannot create without accepting first,
For accepting rather than fighting the pain frees our energy to create a better future.
We cannot accept without creating first,
For creating hope and goodness in our heart helps us to accept the present suffering.
 
Though, uncontrolled creation leads to impracticality,
And impulsive acceptance leads to lethargy.
How to achieve balance in this dance?

​Fortunately, a third party, consciousness always lives in the background,
Dormant until awoken by the pain of excess,
Or until activated by intent to become awareness.
This is the human choice: either be woken up by painful excess,
Or moderate unceasingly through God-given awareness.
 
Awareness, when activated,
Monitors the interaction between creating and accepting,
By sowing the seed of creation within acceptance,
And the seed of acceptance within creation,
Constantly adjusting the back and forth to achieve harmony.
Accept, knowing you can create a different situation,
Create your deliverance, as you accept the suffering of the moment.

​To grow a bonsai, we meticulously shape and manicure the plant,
While observing and respecting its whims and reaction.
We intently listen to the plant and guide its growth,
Constantly seeking harmony among heaven, earth, and human.
 
Life is this constant and never-ending quest,
In which the human soul determines its destiny by choosing and creating,
While willingly accepting all forms of blessings bestowed by the supreme Grower.
In this dance of life, let yin and yang take turn to play,
Under the watchful eye of the supreme Grower, through awareness.

As well when we train, let’s take turn
Receiving  and sending energy,
Never forgetting that the dance of life
​Is about balance.
 

​Hoa Newens
February 14, 2023
[An ode to the bonsai grower of the Dojo]