The Ladder of Yes, But

Survival is addictive,
But surrender is a prerequisite for thriving.

The chase is thrilling,
But deceleration creates gravity.

Speed may outrun fear,
But stillness outgrows it.

Belonging is a sweet opiate,
But sovereignty is less abusable.

Performance is impressive,
But maturity is having nothing to prove.

Achievement is a tasty treat,
But releasing attachment is freedom.

Productivity builds worlds,
But resting makes them livable.

Transformation never suffices,
But generativity starts with abundance.

Knowledge is the exercise,
But learning how to learn is the lesson.

Wisdom attracts,
But questioning the desire for wisdom dissolves.

Enlightenment is shiny,
But not reaching for it reveals what was always there.

Control organizes effort,
But presence organizes reality.

Having a plan is yesterday’s tomorrow,
But today is tomorrow’s yesterday.

Better is linear,
But enough is fractal.