Don't Make Trouble at 50! Recite This Zen Poem to Relieve Your Troubles
Poet Wang Guozhen said: 'Arriving in middle age in a rush is like a ship battered by a river; arriving in middle age in a rush, your physique, appearance, eyes, and mindset have all been stamped with the mark of age. Looking back, the cicadas fly away in droves, the hair turns gray and sparse, the skin becomes wrinkled and feeble, and the approaching decline is relentlessly closing in.'
As people reach middle age, children are still young, parents are old, and you become the pillar of the family.
At this time, what should you do? Should you continue to recklessly pursue your dreams like in your youth, or should you settle down and fulfill your responsibilities within the family?
Such a course is undoubtedly self-inflicted trouble. The days for reckless pursuits have passed; you shouldn't dwell on them anymore. Instead, focus on doing what you can comfortably, without arrogance, without being swayed by external factors, and without self-pity—that's the best way to live.
As written in the 'Song of Ordinary Mind is the Way' by Master Wu Men, 'If you have no worries and anxieties, then it is the best season.'
Throughout the four seasons, at every moment, there are unique landscapes. People ignore them because they are constantly busy.
And by fifty, one should shed extraneous thoughts, maintain a 'mindful' state, and turn one's gaze to the quiet, meaningful aspects of life, appreciating the scenery that you've previously overlooked.
What is 'mindful'?
'Mindful' can be understood as letting go of excessive concern for many things, whether it's success or failure, gains or losses, or trivial matters—they've all been reduced to insignificance.
This is precisely the state of life that a person of fifty should possess.
Fifty-year-olds have already weathered half a lifetime of storms and tribulations; some things require a deeper understanding than they would for a young person, so don't cling to excessive ambition; when faced with difficulties, simply let them go. This will also demonstrate your tolerance and magnanimity.
As long as you have 'mindful' heart, life is beautiful everywhere.
'Song of Ordinary Mind is the Way' continues, 'If you have no worries and anxieties, then it is the best season.'
This is a very insightful saying. When you free your mind from unrealistic thoughts, and focus on doing what you can currently, even if it's hard or tiring, you'll feel unparalleled joy.
Like the story told, a king was constantly unhappy because he was preoccupied with worries. So he ordered two ministers to find the happiest person in the world.
These two ministers diligently explored the country, interviewing wealthy merchants, nobles, and beautiful women, but none of them were happy.
Finally, they found a beggar, dressed in rags, who answered them truthfully—yes, sir, I am happy!
Why is the beggar happy? Because he has no worries; the merchant worries about his wealth being lost, the noble worries about his reputation collapsing, and the beautiful woman worries about her beauty fading. Only the beggar has no cares.
This story isn't meant to make everyone become a beggar, but rather to clear your mind of distracting thoughts and to not take things too seriously. Do what you can currently, and there will be beautiful scenery everywhere.
'Song of Ordinary Mind is the Way' is a prescription for those in their fifties. Don't seek self-inflicted troubles; clear away your distracting thoughts, and life is beautiful everywhere.
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—Editor
