Abandon Hope

[Tangram]

Abandon any hope of fruition.

Commentary by Pema Chodron

The key instruction is to stay in the present. Don't get caught up in hopes of what you'll achieve and how good your situation will be some day in the future. What you do right now is what matters.

[benos]

Another great one from Pema.

Thanks,

be

[larry cazes]

Great quote. As this relates to shooting......My wife and I have been shooting USPSA matches locally and at the area level for almost 7 years. This last year we both have gone through severe burnout to the point of only shooting 4 matches since area2 in november. We really only attended the last two to keep in touch with friends. These were the best 2 matches I have ever shot. Came in second at the first match and won the last one. Clearly, shooting without hope and in the present is key.

[Bill Nesbitt]

I've shot some of my best matches when I had no expectations. Simply shooting for the pure pleasure of shooting.

[benos]

Great quote. As this relates to shooting......My wife and I have been shooting USPSA matches locally and at the area level for almost 7 years. This last year we both have gone through severe burnout to the point of only shooting 4 matches since area2 in november. We really only attended the last two to keep in touch with friends. These were the best 2 matches I have ever shot. Came in second at the first match and won the last one. Clearly, shooting without hope and in the present is key.

I've shot some of my best matches when I had no expectations. Simply shooting for the pure pleasure of shooting.

+2 to those very nice adds to this thread!

be

[L-10_shooter]

I have only been shooting for a year and have found that teh more I concentrate on doing well and winning the worse I do. The same goes when I shoot trap, just go up there point the gun and shoot. I also have more fun relaxing with friends.

[TerryG]

Heart attack, Bypas surgery and as soon as I could rack the slide, six weeks, I shot an IDPA match with the Jacksonville FL club.

I was useless except for shooting and sitting, weak and in pain.

But guess what, I was so happy to be there and shooting, I just shot with no expectations and finished 7th of 100 and beat the overall winner, a well known Master on a moving plate rack stage.

To me, this proves that we are capable of more than that which we conscieously direct.

Call it Zen, the Force or don't call it anything, but recognize that it is possible.

I complement the Gateway IDPA on their consideration in letting me shoot and not carry my portion of the workload.

Thanks for a great experience,

TerryG

[Tangram]

Heart attack, Bypas surgery and as soon as I could rack the slide, six weeks, I shot an IDPA match with the Jacksonville FL club.

I was useless except for shooting and sitting, weak and in pain.

But guess what, I was so happy to be there and shooting, I just shot with no expectations and finished 7th of 100 and beat the overall winner, a well known Master on a moving plate rack stage.

To me, this proves that we are capable of more than that which we conscieously direct.

Call it Zen, the Force or don't call it anything, but recognize that it is possible.

I complement the Gateway IDPA on their consideration in letting me shoot and not carry my portion of the workload.

Thanks for a great experience,

TerryG

TerryG, I am pleased that you are getting out there and shooting. However, ....

I am not medically inclined but I also had the opportunity to have my sternum sawn in half. I feel concerned about your feeling pain. You are wired back together give your body time to heal. Gratuitous advice I know. I knew the need, the want to get back-shooting and riding my motorcycle. My surgery was a valve repair. I did not have any veins stripped but I did not hurt.

I don't want to tromp all over your insight, just express my concern.

Edited September 21, 2009 by Tangram

[Neomet]

A small point, but Pema is quoting the root Lojong text which are founded on the teachings of Atisha, although actual Lojong text wasn't written down until after Atisha's passing. Again, just a small point.

[TerryG]

Tangram,

Thanks for your concern, I know I was pushing, but it sure felt good.

I am currently at 8 months and doing great. Structural damage from the surgery can take over a year to clearup so I still have the aggravating aches and pains.

I plan to shoot two matches this weekend, no excuses anymore. But I still won't be lifting any plate racks.

When all else deserts you, just shoot.

TerryG

Heart attack, Bypas surgery and as soon as I could rack the slide, six weeks, I shot an IDPA match with the Jacksonville FL club.

I was useless except for shooting and sitting, weak and in pain.

But guess what, I was so happy to be there and shooting, I just shot with no expectations and finished 7th of 100 and beat the overall winner, a well known Master on a moving plate rack stage.

To me, this proves that we are capable of more than that which we conscieously direct.

Call it Zen, the Force or don't call it anything, but recognize that it is possible.

I complement the Gateway IDPA on their consideration in letting me shoot and not carry my portion of the workload.

Thanks for a great experience,

TerryG

TerryG, I am pleased that you are getting out there and shooting. However, ....

I am not medically inclined but I also had the opportunity to have my sternum sawn in half. I feel concerned about your feeling pain. You are wired back together give your body time to heal. Gratuitous advice I know. I knew the need, the want to get back-shooting and riding my motorcycle. My surgery was a valve repair. I did not have any veins stripped but I did not hurt.

I don't want to tromp all over your insight, just express my concern.

[AriM]

Hope is the lack of belief in one's own abilities to produce.....man I "hope" I do well on the test

wouldn't it be better to think....I WILL do well on the test

WILL....I WILL IT TO BE SO!!!

abandon hope, for it is the measure of the desperate and lazy