I usually remember my practice *after* I have gotten all bent out of shape. Then it comes to me that there is a better way to handle it. I am most likely to loose my way when something very emotional comes along. I have tried putting visual reminders out, but after a while I stop seeing them. I need to change them up to keep them fresh.
Most mornings I recite to myself a Haudenosainai (Iroquois Indian) thanksgiving prayer which is very beautiful. Before doing so I read a written reminder to summon the Goddess of kindness and compassion (Kanzeon)in my recitation. This is because when giving the thanksgiving I tended to forget to include myself in the thanksgiving so I felt it was important to get into the habit of reminding myself to do this. And it works to develop the habit of kindness to oneself. Although there are times each day when I forget to be kind to myself, repeated practice of summoning Kanzeon reminds me to return to gentleness and kindness.
I wish I was gentle sometimes. Yet I love being kick ass and intense to. People do say I have a calming effect on them generally though. My meditation room is full of Buddhas. They appear sporadically around the rest of my house too. I have audio teachings on my phone that get played when in fatigued in bed. Buddhism appears everywhere in my life either purposely or not, it keeps me mindful and going for refuge as that is what works for me. I wish my mind never forgot as then spirals into aaaargh.
I meditate daily and have done for many years, I often notice the discord in my mind when I sit and witness the internal voices (many of course, are not ‘my’ voice) but when I meet gentleness most seems to be when I’m driving - alone!
I notice the unstitching of unnecessary complexity, and the gentle clarity that arises, especially on the highway!
Driving for me is an unintentional and surprisingly spiritual practice!
Interesting to notice when gentleness is more likely to be present - not what you'd expect! And I'm enjoying imagining you as a lovely antidote to road rage, radiating your peacefulness out across the highways... good to have you here Sarina Zoe!
Sometimes something someone says touches me and this is such a time. I needed to remember the refuge I have taken in the Buddha, the dharma and the sangha. I have Buddhas everywhere. I just forgot why! Thank you, Satya.
I am really struggling today with both grief and social anxiety. Not a great combination. I appreciate this post and space. I'm not sure how to treat myself more gently right this second.
Sorry to hear this Christi - I hope the intensity has passed. When it's overwhelming, sometimes all we can do is ride it out... sending gentleness and hoping that time will ease things for you.
Love these questions, Satya. What reminds me of gentleness is the simple practice of lighting a candle. I immediately feel calmer, comforted, gentler towards myself and the world...
I also always have a notebook to hand because my spiral writing practice always helps me to slow down and go more gently.✨
Ah, candles are great aren't they? I have all sorts of Buddhist associations with mine too now. The simple things can be so powerful. And yes - writing!! Thanks for being here & good luck tomorrow! x
I usually remember my practice *after* I have gotten all bent out of shape. Then it comes to me that there is a better way to handle it. I am most likely to loose my way when something very emotional comes along. I have tried putting visual reminders out, but after a while I stop seeing them. I need to change them up to keep them fresh.
Yes, me too! It's not easy!!
Most mornings I recite to myself a Haudenosainai (Iroquois Indian) thanksgiving prayer which is very beautiful. Before doing so I read a written reminder to summon the Goddess of kindness and compassion (Kanzeon)in my recitation. This is because when giving the thanksgiving I tended to forget to include myself in the thanksgiving so I felt it was important to get into the habit of reminding myself to do this. And it works to develop the habit of kindness to oneself. Although there are times each day when I forget to be kind to myself, repeated practice of summoning Kanzeon reminds me to return to gentleness and kindness.
Sounds beautiful Neil. And how lovely to have a reminder to include yourself - I think many of us could get better at that. Namo Quan Shi Yin Bosat!
I wish I was gentle sometimes. Yet I love being kick ass and intense to. People do say I have a calming effect on them generally though. My meditation room is full of Buddhas. They appear sporadically around the rest of my house too. I have audio teachings on my phone that get played when in fatigued in bed. Buddhism appears everywhere in my life either purposely or not, it keeps me mindful and going for refuge as that is what works for me. I wish my mind never forgot as then spirals into aaaargh.
We need kick ass people! And I'm sure you have gentle parts too. Sounds like the Buddha just keeps popping up!
I meditate daily and have done for many years, I often notice the discord in my mind when I sit and witness the internal voices (many of course, are not ‘my’ voice) but when I meet gentleness most seems to be when I’m driving - alone!
I notice the unstitching of unnecessary complexity, and the gentle clarity that arises, especially on the highway!
Driving for me is an unintentional and surprisingly spiritual practice!
Interesting to notice when gentleness is more likely to be present - not what you'd expect! And I'm enjoying imagining you as a lovely antidote to road rage, radiating your peacefulness out across the highways... good to have you here Sarina Zoe!
Sometimes something someone says touches me and this is such a time. I needed to remember the refuge I have taken in the Buddha, the dharma and the sangha. I have Buddhas everywhere. I just forgot why! Thank you, Satya.
I think we sometimes need to remind each other! Glad it hit home 🙏🏻
Our dog comforts my husband and me. Her loving devotion offer us moments of gentleness and love, often when we need it most. ❤️🐾
Makes me happy to read this. What a gift.
I was thinking how my sweet little cat calms me, and rubbing my hand over her purring body is the soul of gentleness.
I am really struggling today with both grief and social anxiety. Not a great combination. I appreciate this post and space. I'm not sure how to treat myself more gently right this second.
Sorry to hear this Christi - I hope the intensity has passed. When it's overwhelming, sometimes all we can do is ride it out... sending gentleness and hoping that time will ease things for you.
Thank you so much.
Things like colouring in or using inner child tarot decks help me to be gentle. My practice is white Tara. Much gentleness.
Ah beautiful. Thanks Amritavani!
Love these questions, Satya. What reminds me of gentleness is the simple practice of lighting a candle. I immediately feel calmer, comforted, gentler towards myself and the world...
I also always have a notebook to hand because my spiral writing practice always helps me to slow down and go more gently.✨
Ah, candles are great aren't they? I have all sorts of Buddhist associations with mine too now. The simple things can be so powerful. And yes - writing!! Thanks for being here & good luck tomorrow! x