“The first thing we need to do with the mind is wash it, clean it up, not only once or twice a day as we do for the body but in all our waking moments…. With the body it’s very simple, we use soap and water. We learned to do that when we were small. Mind can only be cleansed by mind. What the mind has put in there, the mind can take out. One second of concentration in meditation is one second of purification because, luckily, the mind can only do one thing at a time.” ~ Ayya Khema
A Mindful Self-Compassion Journey
On April 21, I was fortunate to hear Christopher Germer speak on “Looking at Shame Through the Eyes of Self-Compassion” as part of The Awake Network’s Compassion in Therapy Summit. This seems to have been one of those pivotal moments for me. A few days later, I committed to reading about and practicing Mindful Self-Compassion […]
When About to Converse Online
When about to converse online
I vow with all beings
to come from full presence and care,
attending to what truly matters.
Taking a Computer Break
Taking a computer break
I vow with all beings
to stretch this invaluable body
releasing the knots of desire.
Roshi Joan’s Phrases for Those Who Are Struggling
For someone who is struggling: May you have strength in the face of any pain and suffering you’re experiencing (at this time). May you be free from anger, fear, and sadness. May you be open to receive others’ love and care. May you be filled with compassion for yourself and others. From Lesson 4 of […]
Meditation and Difficult Emotions
Occasionally when doing zazen (meditating), I’ll be derailed by strong painful emotions such as shame. My body wants to get off the mat and, try as I might, it seems impossible to return to the practice. Today, to my relief, I read a section of the Mindful Self-Compassion program that affirms my instinct to stop […]
Compassionate Letter to Oneself
Another simple practice from Chris Germer and Kristen Neff’s book Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals is a “Compassionate Letter to Myself” (pp.245 & 248). Here, so I don’t forget, are various steps for this approach: Notice your self-critical voice. What are the words? or what is the tone of this voice? […]
Mindfulness in Daily Life
One simple practice that Chris Germer and Kristen Neff encourage in their book Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals is “Mindfulness in Daily Life” (p.200). Here are some of their practical suggestions: Pick an ordinary activity. You might choose drinking a hot beverage in the morning, brushing your teeth, or taking a […]
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled […]
Marshall Rosenberg on Presence
“The most important part of empathy is the hardest. It involves our presence, our full presence to what is alive in this person at this moment.”
When Ending a Creative Spell
When ending a creative spell
I vow with all beings
to relax and open my mind,
stretching into the stillness of now.
Mired in Website Planning
Mired in website planning
I vow with all beings
to get back on the Buddha track
one breath, one sip, one dish at a time.