We're in a time where polarities are heightened, habits more rigid, past thoughts and future fears distort the present, and what we can't control looms large. Collective movement is occurring and everyone is affected. We can feel it and we all have reactions to it--knowingly or unknowingly. Basically, we're afraid. Our desire for something other than this moment narrows our view of what's possible, robs us of living fully right here and now, and closes our hearts blocking intimacy.
But what would it be like to follow our hearts in these electoral times without doing harm? How do we stay present to what is without fear? How do we relax and open awareness to the present moment without hate, ignorance or greed? How do we ensure that our efforts are planting wholesome seeds for future generations? Following are seven ways to begin minding your thoughts in the coming weeks of electoral madness:Â
- Maintain a daily meditation practice. The best way to respond to a difficult situation is before the difficulty arises. Spend time becoming friendly toward your fears.
- Don't believe your thoughts. Not only are they fleeting, they are only a part of what is occurring. Instead, become more curious about what is happening instead of critical.Â
- Open your awareness to include both the "ouch" and "beauty" in each moment. Don't let what you don't like or what you prefer distroy the intimacy possible in this moment. Â
- Express your ideas, talents, and dislikes in ways that do not harm you, others, or the environment.Â
- Cultivate a stable and balanced mind; an awareness that is grounded and undisturbed. This requires a practice of kindness toward yourself and others.
- Stay in your body and close to your breath. Take a few breaths before you speak and choose to act instead of react. Â
- Let your mind keep tally (that's what it does ~ it has no shame) but let your heart make the decision.Â
Through mindfulness, we are training the mind to live in the heart body with ease and friendliness. You may not find the answers to the complex electoral problems we face, but you can cultivate the confidence and the heart to see clearly and to choose wisely.Â
Enjoy the moment! Ruth
Thanks, Ruth. This is so good – thank you for the clear message and re-validation of what is. Blessings, Lucy Freedman here in the Los Gatos sunshine.
I will work even harder at being aware of the “ouch” and the beauty of each precious moment of my consciousness! Janet Anderson
Right on. I wish more people would practice this. It’s hard to deal with those who defiantly assume that they’re right and will not tolerate criticism. One has to be careful: either back off, or get ready for a yelling match.
The 25th day of the lunar Tibetan calendar is an auspicious Blessed Dakini Day … associated with the Mother Tantra
“Externally the word Dakini ~ Khandro in Tibetan ~ literally means sky-dweller, a celestial being who does not need to walk on the ground. There are different types of dakinis: wisdom dakinis, activity dakinis and the mundane dakinis. The real wisdom dakini is the empty quality of luminous wakefulness. Perception is the male aspect, while emptiness within our perception is the female quality. Thus the great mother of dharmakaya is the basis of all dakinis… Yeshe Tsogyal ..all those who have been my mothers, all Sentient Beings..Yes!!!