Never Mistake the Finger for the Moon
The buddha once said to imagine someone is trying to show you the moon by pointing at it.
The pointing finger is what guides you to the moon. Without the finger, you might not notice the moon.
But the pointing finger isn’t what matters most. It only matters because it helps you see the moon for yourself.
Which is why the Buddha also warned us not to mistake the finger for the moon.
Lessons, Teachings, Strategies, and Tactics
The “pointing fingers” in life are the lessons, teachings, strategies, and tactics that orient you towards a better life.
The moon is that better way of living. It’s your state of mind and perspective. It’s how clearly you see the nature of the world around you.
When you see the moon, life is at its best. But it’s easy to lose sight of the moon. Distractions, busyness, stress, fatigue, and so much more can disconnect us from the wonderful nature of life.
This is why the “pointing fingers” are helpful. Rituals, strategies, habits, and tactics help us live better. They help us reconnect with a deeper sense of energetic aliveness.
The fingers help us see the moon again. So we appreciate the value of the fingers.
But the minute we think it’s about the strategy, tactic, tool, or ritual itself, we’re off track. We’ve mistaken the finger for the moon.
Because when you focus all your attention on the finger, you never see the moon. And in doing so, you lose sight of what matters.
The Moon ≠ The Pointing Finger
It’s never about the finger. It’s about seeing for yourself what the finger is pointing at.
Meditation isn’t about meditation. It’s about helping you see the nature of your mind, and the world around you.
The Pomodoro Technique is isn’t about “time-management.” It’s about helping you see how you can show up at your best to the work you care about.
Journaling isn’t about journaling. It’s about helping you see what it’s like to live with a deeper internal connection.
Coaching isn’t about coaching. It’s about helping you see what it’s like to get clarity, uncover new possibilities, take creative action, and live into your potential.
Put it Into Practice: Seeing The Moon
I don’t have any new strategies to share today. Just a reminder.
Let us never forget what matters most: Living life at our very best. Embodying the highest version of ourselves, moment-to-moment-to-moment. Entering those moments from a place of love and presence. Bringing peace, playfulness, patience, courage, and compassion to whatever situation life throws our way.
So…as long as they’re helpful, let’s continue to let the fingers point the way. But only if they actually help us see the moon.
You’ve got this,
Patrick