We can be aware of an imperfection without making any problem about it.
In other words, the mind becomes an embracing mind.
Ajahn Sumedho.
Tag: wellbeing
Failing to notice
The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice.
And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice
there is little we can do to change
until we notice how failing to notice
shapes our thoughts and deeds.
Daniel Goleman
Relationships as practice
Stephen Levine has noted that relationship, though not the easiest method for finding peace, is certainly the most effective for discovering what blocks it. The fact that relationships often bring the most painful and unhealed aspects of our life out of the shadows makes them a potentially powerful teacher. But let’s be honest, who actually wants such a teacher? What do we really want from relationships? We want what we want! We want someone to fulfill our needs, someone who will make us feel good, give us security, appreciation, affection, and love.
As soon as a conflict arises and we feel threatened in some way, we tend to forget all about relationships as a vehicle of awakening. We tenaciously hold on to our views, judgments, and need to be right. We protect and defend our self-image. We close down or lash out. And, believing in all these reactions as the unquestioned truth, we perpetuate our suffering. As we continue to do this, the disappointment we cause ourselves and others becomes a pain we can’t ignore. That’s the beauty of relationships as spiritual practice. The pain motivates us to awaken; disappointment is often our best teacher. This is when practice can really begin.
Ezra Bayda, At Home in the Muddy Water
Sunday Quote: How we hold our experience
Whoever has learned to be anxious in the right way
has learned the ultimate.
Kierkegaard
Life flows on
No matter how much we want it to be otherwise, the truth is that we are not in control of the unfolding of our experiences. Despite our search for stability and prediction, for the center of our loves to hold firm, it never does. Life is wilder than that, a flow we cannot command or stave off. We can affect and influence and impact what happens, but we can’t wake up in the morning and decide what we will encounter and feel and be confronted ny during the day. Invariably, when I finally think that I have gotten one aspect of myself under control, life intrudes forcefully to show me otherwise.
Sharon Slazberg, Faith
Not waiting for life to begin
Dance in the body you have.
Agnes de Mille
Mindfulbalance 