Month: May 2013

Gentle holding

Karl Duffy1 Comment

It took a long time for the analytical world to look at the importance of the way a baby is held, and yet when you come to think of it, this is of primary importance. The question of holding brings up the whole issue of human reliability.  

Winnicott

By not stopping our thoughts and feelings in meditation, we are paving the way for gentle ways of being with our experience. When thoughts are intentionally cut off, that is often an act of harming. if it is done aggressively, even with a miniscule amount of force, it supports and furthers the tendency to get rid of thoughts rather than to get to know them.  Our ability to get to know our thoughts and feelings depends on our ability to stay with them,  and staying with them depends on our capacity not to get rid of them. Holding our experience gently, thoughts and feeling come and go in their own time.

Jason Siff, Unlearning Meditation

Sunday Quote: The key to a relaxed mind

Karl Duffy1 Comment

buttercup-field

Anyone who understands impermanence

ceases to be contentious.

The Dhammapada

The bridge

Karl DuffyLeave a comment

File:Puente de hamaca.JPG

Breath is the bridge that connects life to consciousness, the bridge that unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again

Thich Nhat Hanh

photo: chixoy

Step by step

Karl DuffyLeave a comment

File:River Rothay stepping stones 120508w.jpg

You do not need to know precisely what is happening,

or exactly where it is all going.

What you need, is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment,

and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.

Thomas Merton

photo: strobilomyces

A simple three part practice

Karl Duffy2 Comments

meditation Metta2

First, come into the present. Flash on what’s happening with you right now. Be fully aware of your body, its energetic quality. Be aware of your thoughts and emotions.

Next, feel your heart, literally placing your hand on your chest if you find that helpful. This is a way of accepting yourself just as you are in that moment, a way of saying, “This is my experience right now, and it’s okay.”

Then,  go into the next moment without any agenda

Pema Chodron, Living Beautifully

Moving beyond concepts

Karl DuffyLeave a comment

File:Morning Mist.jpg

We must not portray you in king’s robes,
you drifting mist that brought forth the morning.

Once again from the old paintboxes
we take the same gold for scepter and crown
that has disguised you through the ages.

Piously we produce our images of you
till they stand around you like a thousand walls.
And when our hearts would simply open,
our fervent hands hide you.

Rilke, Book of Hours, I 4