In the impermanence of life, we seek stability. The bookshelf, with its sturdy form and clean lines, represents the order we long for. The path to enlightenment is long. The path to assembling this bookshelf is slightly longer. Do not despair. Frustration is merely the ego resisting what is.
Preparation Step 1:
Clear your mind. Clear your space. Lay out your parts. Trust the process. Or don’t. Either way, it’s happening.
Preparation Step 2:
Gently unfold the manual. The instructions are your guide, don’t fight them. The pictures? They know more than you and will point you towards the truth. Should your mind wander, return your focus to the page.
Step 1:
The journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step. In this case it is the bottom panel. Place it before you. The process is simple—place each screw in its hole. Feel the resistance. Tighten with care, but do not force.
Step 2:
The dowels, small as they may seem, are the foundation of your structure. Place them with reverence, knowing that each one serves a purpose in the greater whole. If one does not fit, know that it’s just an illusion. Gently press it into place. The dowel will enter when the time is right.
Step 3:
The final panel. On the first try, it won’t fit. It never does. Breathe. Realign. Repeat.
Struggle precedes enlightenment. Let go of your frustration. Accept what is. You are not in control of the world, but you are in control of your response.
In the end, the panel will align. This is the law of impermanence. Nothing stays the same, and nothing remains broken forever.
Completion Step:
Step back. It’s not perfect, but neither are you. In the imperfections lies its beauty. In its flaws, it is whole.
Final notes:
And so, the bookshelf is assembled. With patience, mindfulness, and acceptance, you have created something stable. Now, as you place your books upon it, know that they have found their rightful place. Just like you will find yours.
