Dear Friends,
As we discussed earlier, Joseph Goldstein teaches that effort itself generates energy and that the key to skillful effort lies in balance, learning when to engage with curiosity and when to relax with spaciousness. This nuanced approach transforms our practice into an exploration of energy and ease, guiding us toward greater clarity and insight.
Going through my collection of quotes, I found this gem from Sayadaw U Tejaniya, which summarizes teaching this beautifully:
“Right effort does not mean exerting great energy. It means practicing with patience and perseverance.”
from The Daily Tejaniya, December 6, 2023
As we meditate, we are invited to explore this balance–not forcing or striving, but cultivating gentle determination and adaptability. Each moment offers an opportunity to learn what supports the body-heart-mind body best, allowing effort to flow naturally and energy to arise in its own time.
Perhaps you would like to play with this while following this meditation by Tara Brach. Tara guides us through a process of mindful relaxation and presence. We are encouraged to scan the body and invite areas of tension to soften, through noticing sensations, breath, and the dynamic flow of aliveness. The practice encourages letting go of mental and physical tightness, resting in the spaciousness of the present moment.
Meditation: Letting Go… Letting Be (16:54)
https://www.dharmaseed.org/talks/68929/
What did you discover about the in your practice today? Were there moments when patience or perseverance helped you reconnect with mindfulness? I welcome your reflections.
With good wishes,
Andrea