“Whatever you fight you strengthen, and what you resist, persists.” --Tolle
Underneath the motion of everyday life, there is a flow. The simple movements of each moment are always unfolding. Lately, I find myself resisting the flow, waiting for things to be different in order to feel okay.
COVID has put many barriers up around the way I’d like to experience the holiday. Part of me worries about any kind of gathering, particularly at a time when everyone needs the connection. I find my mind wandering to the time when vaccines will be available and things will be better. Maybe spring or summer?
But what happens to right now?
“Enlightenment is: absolute cooperation with the inevitable.” Anthony de Mello
According to Tara Brach, Psychologist and Buddhist teacher, “Aligning with what is here is a way of practicing presence. It allows us to respond to the world with creativity and compassion.” When a straw is aligned with the current, water flows through easily. If shifted one way or another, there is less freedom for flow.
This is the practice of letting go of the outcome or the way it should be and opening everything inside ourselves to the universal intelligence where a greater force can flow through us. Surrendering to life exactly as it is vs. being in resistance.
Without the inner conflict, space opens to welcome the inevitable. Intuition arises between anxious thoughts and it’s possible to sense which way to turn the surfboard to maximize the flow. From this place, riding the waves invites a certain rhythm. I don’t fall off the board as often and I can practice becoming one with the subtle movements of the ocean. Even if I can only drop into presence a few times a day, there is relief in attending to only this one moment.
This year the holidays will not be the usual thing, they will require creativity and patience. Of all the gifts I give, my own presence and serenity will be high on the list. Tomorrow’s group will meet online at 6:30pm. The topic will be going with the flow as a practice of presence.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Warmly,
Kim
"To some people, surrender may have negative connotations, implying defeat, giving up, failing to rise to the challenges of life, becoming lethargic, and so on. True surrender, however, is something entirely different. It doesn't mean to passively put up with whatever situation you find yourself in and to do nothing about it. Nor does it mean to cease making plans or initiating positive action. Surrender is the simple but profound wisdom of yielding to rather than opposing the flow of life." --Tolle
About us: This friendly, open-hearted group is for anyone interested in meditation and exploring awareness training. Newcomers are always welcome. The basic structure is guided meditation, conscious sharing and topic discussion. We go about 90 minutes, sometimes more or less but you are welcome to arrive and depart as your schedule allows. About Kim
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/117191836
(or call in only: 1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 117 191 836)
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