Process

Each day in every moment we determine the quality of our personal process. Personal process basically means how I live. For example, I am on a busy urban sidewalk. I approach a busy intersection. I see the traffic light about to turn. Do I run in front of traffic which has the legal green light to save a minute or two? If I do so, I will take time from the drivers in the road. I will increase the potential for an accident which could injure me and radically change the life of a driver. My own process in that situation is to yield to the traffic and wait for the next pedestrian light.

That example is very mundane. Our lives are made up of mundane moments. The process we adopt in those mundane moments defines us in significant ways.

Japanese tea ceremonies were once in fashion in the U.S.. They are rituals, based on a behavioral metaphor for personal process, or personal practice. The precision of gathering tea leaves to pouring the first cup is a practice of self development and compassionate hospitality. The host is offering the guest his/her very best with humility and intense concentration in the moment.

Meditation, reflection and health maintenance are parts of what I call humanist practice, a personal process of choice. Just as I choose to not run into traffic at a changing light, I choose to develop patience and compassion at other intersections in my day. This entails thought, correct breathing and ensuring that I am well rested and well nourished, so that my body will support a thinking mind in every moment.

Taking control of my own daily process is a process. It will most likely never be done perfectly. I will die trying still to be the person I wish to become.