January 11 – It’s like this

Dear Friends,

Continuing with the talk from Kamala Masters, “Equanimity-Seeing the World with Quiet Eyes“

Kamala poses a question we can ask ourselves.
How can we stay open and connected when it’s so hard?

One equanimity phrase she introduces to help foster this openness and connection is from Ajahn Sumedho:
“It’s like this.”

Kamala explains,

Just taking in what’s going on. It may be terrible, the only thing you can say about it is, it’s chaotic, it’s turmoil. We don’t need to say the exact thing that’s going on, just – “It’s like this right now.” We say that compassionately, with kindness.

Part of the kindness and compassion in our practice is knowing our limits. Kamala also says,

Sometimes we have say “that’s enough – I just have to take a break right now” – and get ourselves together.

As part of cultivating balance in our practice, we may need to gently dip into the difficult, and then skillfully turn to something neutral or pleasant, to allow the our system to integrate. In some cases, this skillfulness may also mean working with a teacher or therapist.

Guided meditation: Lion’s Roar featured an interview with Vinny Ferraro on Ajahn Sumedho’s phrase, “right now, it’s like this.” The article concludes with simple meditation instructions that incorporates it:
https://www.lionsroar.com/right-now-its-like-this/

Feel free to share your reflections or comments below, or by email.

With warm wishes,
Andrea