What To Do
Or the exquisite pain of the Gamecock
Sometimes I just pick up How to Sit by Thich Nhat Hanh and flip to a random page. Today I landed on page 47: What To Do. One of the simplest, most disarming passages in the book.
The answer? Just sit.
Thich writes: “Just sit without waiting for a miracle.”
It’s a reminder that if you meditate expecting enlightenment, transformation, or even peace—you’ll probably be disappointed. Like the old Soto Zen instruction: sit just to sit.
Think of Casey at the Bat. Everyone in Mudville just knew that ol’ Casey was going to clout that sumbitch (thanks, Uncle Charlie) and walk off victorious.
Dude struck out.
Same goes for being a Gamecock fan. Most seasons, it’s a masterclass in heartbreak. I’m almost at the point where I can go into a game with zero expectation—just watch for the joy of the moment, and if they win, bonus.
It’s the same with meditation. Sit without expectation. Don’t look for peace or clarity or cosmic insight. Just sit. Be here. Let the present unfold.
Thich says it best:
“The present moment is the whole of life.”
And hey—if Carolina beats Bama tomorrow, enjoy the hell out of it. Because Ole Miss is right around the corner.