sitting with
Using the practice of ensō allows me the chance of “sitting with” my thoughts and feelings. (ensō is Japanese calligraphy also described as an expression of the moment)
Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Your body and mind will become clear and you will realize the unity of all things. Dogen
listening for your own rhythm
There are many words and ways we use to talk about rhythm. We may say go with the flow. Other words we use that speak about rhythm are, beat, pattern, flow, getting in the zone, or cadence. Trying to force something that just doesn’t fit or work is not very useful but be we do it all the time
Many sages speak to the becoming quiet so you can hear.
If you can’t hear it’s hard know which rhythm is, in fact yours to follow.
dreaming to be present
We speak of being present but maybe it’s easier to understand, when we’re dreaming maybe the symbols in the dream are the story we understand.
Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths Joseph Campbell
things only become clear
When you give yourself space to pause, it may be easier to see more clearly.
When you put paint on paper or canvas and is looks like it’s spreading out, almost like the paint is expanding. For me that’s what it feels like when you give yourself space to let things become clear.
Tara Brach’s meditations that are about saying yes to what is, are grounding and gives you that moment to pause.
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like Lao Tzu
the quality of the light matters
re-learning the practice of allowing the little light to shine
Not everything nor everyone needs a blasting light in their face, sometimes that subtle light of a candle is what’s needed.
Not every plant needs the same kind of light. Some need open shade, some need diffused light and some need light blasting at them all day.
I’ve just noticed that I’m breaking down a plant that needs diffused light and not direct – I hope I can turn it around.
Noticing what is needed is a step, but knowing what’s the right approach I believe is the key.
