relaxing into flexibility and composure

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are so used to being caught up in our thoughts and feelings

 that we lose sight of our true nature. The key to meditation

 is to recognize that the host is not the guest. 

 

The comings and goings of thoughts and feelings are like guests

 coming into our homes. Would you let guests run your house? 

Of course not. You're the host. You may consult them, 

but you must be the one to make any final decisions.

 Most of the time, trouble comes when we listen to the guests - 

our fleeting thoughts and feelings - and ignore our responsibility as hosts.

 For example, some people are extremely affected by 

self-disparaging thoughts. But why should our happiness 

depend on passing thoughts? 

Our true nature, is already free and liberated.

 

Who is the host though?

 

Many of us are habituated to tensing up throughout the day.

Due to our postures while sitting or working, we may have pain

in different areas of our bodies. For some of us,even certain words

 or images can trigger tension. Every time these scenarios arise, 

the body responds in a certain way. These are signs that our bodies

 have learned to respond to situations with tension, and there's

blockage.  

 

 Progressive relaxation from head to toe, by placing 

awareness on each body part and feeling its accompanying 

sensations. Not thinking, but experiencing the sensations of the body. 

This practice strengthens our ability to relax both in 

meditation and in daily life. It enhances our brain's flexibility

and stimulates neurons that secret neurotransmitters,

which strengthen our ability to make connections.

This enhancement helps enable composure when we're

faced with difficulties.

 

 

 

 

~ Guo Gu

excerpts from Silent Illumination

 art by WOLFSKULLJACK

 

 

 

 

contentment

 

 

 

 

 

Contentment counters and overrides our constant tendency to grasp and chase after things. Contentment has the flavor of being at ease - grasping nothing, lacking nothing. It is being open and leisurely. In this state, we don't make anything into a big deal, while at the same time we engage with the freshness of each moment. Cultivating an attitude of contentment is engaging with and yet not grasping at causes and conditions.

 

We are swayed by causes and conditions when we feel a sense of lack and when grasping is present. We inevitably get sucked into the vortex of grasping and rejecting, having and lacking.  These polarities bring up all sorts of other issues, such as trying to escape from who we are or, alternately, trying desperately to be someone we're not.

 

There is no formulaic way to cultivate contentment or non-grasping. We need to personally explore the flavor of contentment and digest this feeling little by little, becoming familiar with it in our lives. We can't just force this attitude on ourselves and expect to be able to plow through all of our problems. Contentment is not a mere concept. We need to appreciate the depth of what it means to be content. It is not just being disinterested or detached from everything.

 

When we are content, we appreciate what we have, and we are able to engage fully with whatever may arise. There's a freshness to it. With contentment, we're able to avail ourselves openly of everything, without rejecting anything. In this process, there may be pain and grief, But we are cultivating the ability to feel fully, to be present to whatever arises without judgment. Allowing such feelings to move through us will make us stronger. We are incredibly resilient. Our hearts and minds will eventually accept and release whatever comes through us.

 

 

 

 

~ Guo Gu

from Silent Illumination