April 5th
#24 Change your attitude, but remain natural.
Pema: Work on reversing your caught-up, self-important attitude and remain relaxed in this process. Instead of always being caught in a prison of self-absorption, look out and express gentleness to all things. Then just relax.
The words “but remain natural” is what caught my eye this morning. To be at my natural, organic state is to appreciate by basic goodness. There is no need for self-importance. In fact, most of the day I felt quiet and rather humble.
I had an appointment at the pharmacy today to receive my second COVID booster immunization. I waited like the others, yet being mindful of my breath. I had to wait a little longer than usual. I found myself blessing each one that I passed by or interacted with Metta (Loving-Kindness) phrases. Even the couple who left in a huff because they believed that they could do a drop-in for their immunization. I could see the frustration in their eyes behind their masks. They desired to stay at their natural healthy state. I wished them peace.
Returning home I remembered the meditation that I led in class earlier. The meditation was “Being Still in Your Heart.” When I attend to my heartspace, recognizing the gold that is there, I settle into stillness, yet present to the breath and the body and what arises. A spaciousness also arrives. I find there is no need to fight against the movement of the mind and be in the heart. Giving permission to be natural.
When I intentionally decide to spend more time in stillness, I remain natural and my attitude changes. There is true happiness and contentment.
If you are interested in the meditation I spoke of, “Being Still in Your Heart,” it was recorded and placed in the Meditation Library. You can purchase it individually or you can use a subscription.
Pema Chödrön’s Compassion Cards – This practice is lojong (mind-training slogans) and they are powerful reminders on how to awaken our hearts. They are also found in “The Compassion Book.” You choose the cards at random, read the commentary, and then try to live by the meaning of the slogan throughout the day.
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