Dear Friends,
It’s all over the media how mindfulness can have a positive impact in our lives. We probably know that from our own experience. And yet, there’s more we can do to live happier lives!
In 8 Mindful Steps to Happiness: Walking the Buddha’s Path, by Bhante Gunaratana writes, “Mindfulness can much improve our lives, but the Buddha offered more. He gave us a complete guide to happiness, which he summed up in eight steps. Even a little effort to incorporate these eight steps into your life will yield happiness. Strong effort will transform you and bring you the happiness and most exalted states achievable.” (page 1)
Similarly, Gil Fronsdal writes: “The Eightfold Path is a tremendous support for meditation practice. Practicing the path factors in daily life creates a supportive state of mind for engaging in meditation. Some of the factors are directly applicable to meditation practice. Reflecting on their connection to meditation and how to have them support one’s meditation practice is a valuable exercise.” (Introduction to the IMC Eightfold Path Program, page 2)
This month, we will spend a little time looking at each of these eight steps to happiness. My intention is to spend three days on each step, somewhat aligned with the three kinds of wisdom.
- First day: wisdom from reading/listening – I will offer a brief point from a talk or written article that touches on the theme.
- Second day: wisdom from reflection – I will offer a reflective question or a poem related to the theme.
- Third day: wisdom from practice – I will suggest a guided meditation or practice to try.
There are many books and talks and other resources that dive deeply into the topic of the eightfold path. Gil’s program suggests spending a month on each path factor! So what will be offered here will be just a little taste that I hope will inspire us to look for ways to build this into our daily life practice.
To further support our practice, we will have “Metta Mondays”, where the focus will incorporate heart practices of kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity.
You are also invited to join Jeanne Corrigal and me with the Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community on Wednesday evenings, from 7:00-8:00 pm CST, in person or online. In January, we will be offering a meditation and talk exploring the eightfold path teachings. Details how to join us are on the SIMC website:
https://saskatooninsight.com/wp/welcome/news/
Looking for a meditation to start off the month? Here’s one from Gil: “Guided Meditation: Meeting the Sage Within” (32 minutes)
https://www.audiodharma.org/talks/12321
May this month of practice be of benefit.
With good wishes,
Andrea
Really enjoyed the practice, the image of meeting myself was helpful, and offering that kind of attentiveness you would to a wise older person. Thank you for your work on this Andrea.