Every thought that arises is like an unlit match.
Unconsciously we open the box - then unaware we are doing it, like we are half asleep, a match finds its way into our fingers.
Do we grasp it tightly and strike? Or feel the match, look at it - and loosen our grip?
Our habit is to strike, then light another and another. Sometimes we find several are burning at once and the flame is mesmerising.
Thoughts we give attention to flare up, and unless we're careful, easily cause a blaze.
We may not always be able to stop ourselves from lighting matches, but if we can learn to drop it quickly, we don't get burned.
John