Being alone with our minds for over a year has driven us crazy, unless we are monastics. We are not used to it. Yet, Covid isolation can catalyze awareness, no longer being pulled by our habitual reactivity. With an aware and rested mind, we can set our intention of compassion. Step by step it can motivate us day and night. Practice feeling kindness and compassion towards a loved one feeling the experience in your body, and around your heart. Get used to this. Then shift the focus towards yourself, bringing the same bodily experience of compassion, now towards yourself, practicing self-compassion. Get used to this. Then expand compassion towards humanity. Get used to this. Then further expand compassion to all living beings, recognizing we are all the same in wanting to be happy and not to hurt.
uncategorized
Whenever some problem arises
Whenever some problem arises (and when do they not!), remember to practice ‘tonlen’ – taking and giving. Think about other people and animals experiencing some similar problems. Silently take away their suffering, and give them […]
uncategorized
The first beneficiary of compassion is oneself
The first beneficiary of compassion is always oneself. When compassion, or warm-heartedness, arises in us and our focus shifts away from our own narrow self-interest, it is as if we open an inner door. It […]
Past
Apr. 23rd-24th Meditation Retreat in Kamakura, Japan
April 23rd-24th, 2022 “Prescription for Happiness: An Inner Journey Most of the time our minds go outward through the senses, our eyes, ears, etc. In this retreat we will learn how to explore inward through […]