Awakened Mind is not a hide-and-seek game objective, nor is it found at the end of a scavenger hunt.
It is not encountered accidentally, or through operating some sort of apparatus or flipping an appliance on-off switch.
Nor is it a novelty, an entitlement discovered via some Dharma doodad or gimmicky gizmo.
***
In discussing the mind-perfections of the Bodhisattva path, HH Dalai Lama often refers to Patience as the most crucially operative of mind states.
He gives various reasons for this, but perhaps most important is the strength and ability Patience empowers, enabling us to take on and continue with the hard work authentic Dharma study/practice requires.
It can be deeply challenging to recognize, confront and with clarity press-on through ignorance, frustration, ego-clinging, lusts, aversions, insecurity, anger, laziness, arrogance, disappointment, fear, bewilderment and the seemingly endless array of mind-occurrences our internal and external interactions regularly bring forth.
Certainly, the path to Awakened Mind is not some secret passageway . . . it travels directly through our everyday lives.
And make no mistake: while at times it can be most arduous, there is none more uniquely wondrous — or rewarding — to explore.
***
What to do?
How to begin?
Consider equanimity, remain aware of the impermanent nature of all things, keep a sense of humor and allow your Patience to naturally manifest.
Then, do what you do.
The trailhead awaits, and it is yours.
~Neither grief or a broken heart, or fear, precludes you from doing this.