Just Be

I was reading a story on the actor Chris Evans in the latest edition of Esquire Magazine when towards the end of the article the author is trying to get Evans to maybe commit to what comes next in his career or life. Here is how it is written (Dodger is Evans' dog):

We stand a minute in the waning sunshine. Dodger trots up and takes a seat on his haunches on the grass nearby, posing like a statue, gazing solemnly outward. Before us spreads Evans’s front acreage. Surrounded by a weathered, split-rail fence, it slopes down a slight incline toward a rural lane.

“Look at that guy,” he says, nodding toward Dodger.

“I love the way he’s just sitting there,” he continues. “He’s just looking. He’s not trying to process. It’s like, the worst thing about people is the way we can see the setting sun or something equally beautiful, and for a split second it’s great—but then very quickly your brain wants to know, What does this have to do with me? And right away the greatness goes away.”

Evans turns to face me. “They say in Buddhism you need the boat to cross the river, but once you cross the river, you don’t need the boat,” he says. “This guy right here is a perfect being. Look at him. He’s not asking, What does this have to do with me? He’s just sitting there, experiencing what life has to offer. I’m trying to be the same.”

I think this sums up where a lot of us would like to get to. To live in the moment. Our pet turtle of 17 years died today. I used to walk by that large aquarium as she was sunning herself on the rocks under the artificial light wondering what she was thinking, if anything. Just there, enjoying the warmth. I see our dog Conner sit outside our back patio door, overseeing his kingdom, looking as content as could be. Animals seem to "Just Be" sometimes and are better for it.

Our lives are definitely more stressed than probably any other time in my life at this moment. The political/ethical/moral divide of the country and our lack of empathy/sympathy for others have fractured our lives, family and friends. The fear and isolation from the COVID-19 and its uncertainty have increased the pressure if it was even possible.

So as we all battle perhaps the toughest stretch of time over the last 50 years, let us remember we are human - flawed and imperfect - but capable of incredible things. Not only must we "Just Be" when the time is right but we must persevere now more than ever.