Crowning Glory
Life is, indeed, exactly like this. In case you haven’t noticed, if you’re not dead, the Cosmos is providing everything you need. As a matter of fact, it’s even providing stuff, experiences, that you either don’t know you need, or wish you didn’t need. In other words, each of life’s challenges is there for a reason.
Compassion
Now, compassion is yet another misunderstood word. Compassion is sometimes equated with “feeling sorry for,” and is often used as a bludgeon — “If you had an ounce of compassion, you’d look after me and do what I want.”
And yet, in the Zen world, the compassionate act could be a kick in the ass. It’s often abrupt, and direct, and challenging.
Centering
Thus, the relationship chakra is about how you enact your life, as you relate to what is around you.
What is your behavior, how do you relate, to your nearest and dearest?
The useful approach is to let go of clinging to labels, having judgements, and demanding that others change so that you can be happy. You own your experience, your feelings, and your actions. You see each thought and action as it is—a moment and a behavior in the here and now.
Zen Based, Present Living


