windscapes
As a frequent observer of the ever-changing canvas of the sky, I notice the shape of the wind in the clouds and the endless variety and nuance of colors in a sunset as it evolves from beginning to end. All of these naturally occurring and shape-shifting events are a daily reminder of how the ‘arising conditions’ in one’s life, as well as in the external world, always have a beginning, a middle, and an end. This can be its own comfort, especially when what is arising is foreign, fearful, or simply unknown territory.
The four mindfulness instructions listed below have been particularly helpful to me over the past few months and I have found myself incorporating them into my daily yoga practice, as needed or skillful.
“It’s okay to feel this.” from Joseph Goldstein’s teachings. This teaching is a simple, yet gentle reminder that we don’t need to change how or what we are feeling or our response to it. Wanting our emotions to stop or be different is often the impulse when they are experienced as uncomfortable or painful. We may feel aversion or a desire to suppress or have them disappear. As likely, we may engage in something distracting to make them go away or go underground. The practice of allowing one’s emotional experience without making it good or bad, or right or wrong and being present as it moves through can be its own source of relief and liberation.
“Standing in the middle of anything.” is an equanimity practice shared by Devin Berry in an interview with Dan Harris on the previously known as 10% Happier App (now Happier App.) This teaching invites us to find the ground under our feet, the constancy and rhythm of our breath, and return to our center in the midst of whatever is arising within us or around us. We can pause and invite our full awareness to observe the presence or flow of physical sensations, cognitions or thought energy, and/or emotions without judgment or identification.
“Present moment; safe moment.” This phrase arose a number of years ago during my work with individuals healing from complex trauma. Many others have found it an effective teaching and mantra since. Exploring and re-establishing a ‘felt sense of safety’ through gentle therapeutic, somatic practices is an essential part of healing trauma and/or supporting ourselves in periods of high distress . While our bodies and beings may have lived through various traumatic events or through situations in which we lacked control and agency, when we are fully present with our bodies and breath in the present moment, we can reconnect with our inherent capacity to calm and soothe our nervous system. This supports healing and nourishes resiliency.
“Love no matter what.” from Father Greg Boyle, as shared by Joseph Goldstein. Individual, groups, and systems can unconsciously and/or consciously create individual or systemic harm. Father Boyle’s teaching reminds us to lead with humanity and kindness in the midst of oppression and cruelty, and remember that love and compassion are stronger and more resilient than hate and fear. It is also a reminder that the act and choice to love is a daily practice that can be invited and nourished.
