Change

Letting go is an act of courage...

Recently I sat outside, on an uncharacteristically warm October night, catching up with a friend I hadn't seen in quite a long time. Needless to say, we had plenty to share about our lives and what's been going on for us. At one point we were talking about change and the difficulties that can arise...especially when we don't "choose" it. Generally, we talked about challenges that show up in life and how important it is to be gentle, compassionate and patient with ourselves. Take the time we need to move through it. 

Having a regular mindfulness meditation practice continues to be grounding for me. The process of letting go can often be accompanied by repetitive thoughts that bring us down an emotional spiral. Mindfulness meditation invites me to reunite my mind with my body. I find that the more I practice the more connected I feel with my experience in the moment and the less likely I am to follow negative thought patterns.

Drama

Being present for the here and now takes practice and patience. Sometimes my mind walks me through an experience that hasn't even happened yet. My anticipation gets the better of me and takes me right out of the moment. I tell myself all kinds of stories about situations or people and loyally cling to these beliefs as absolute truth. Often, I've worked past memories or future concerns into my story which exacerbate the whole internal  

drama.

I wonder what might happen if

 we slow down, take a few breaths and 

greet each moment

 just as it is???

One of my teachers said that one way to know whether your mindfulness practice is working is to take a look at the amount of drama in your life. 

Open Arms

Each moment in our lives is a gift. I wake up every morning and read this beautiful quote by one of our world's incredible leaders. I hope you enjoy it too! Have a great day!

Friendship

Friendships require commitment, compassion, acceptance, love and effort on both sides. At times we face changes and challenges and life isn't easy. Our paths are unique, but we don't walk alone when we cultivate deep relationships with good people. New friends and old friends all hold a very special place in my heart. Thank you for the love.

Sweet

Today, I am grateful for the sweetness of my first grade students and their authentic way of "showing up" each day. I appreciate their excitement toward learning and their willingness to share exactly what's on their mind. They truly live in the moment and offer this teaching to us.

How Do You Walk Through the Door?

Six months ago, I hadn't pondered the meaning of equanimity or it's significance in my daily life. As I navigate life's twists and turns, I'm learning to pay attention to the way I embrace moments. Sometimes I enjoy pleasant moments I wish would last forever and sometimes I face difficulties I'm not convinced I can bear. Equanimity invites me to notice how I greet each moment whatever it offers. The lightness and darkness of our human experience can be overwhelming, but can also be met with gentleness, compassion and acceptance. Sometimes this is easier said than done...

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

-Rumi-