There is a storyteller in our minds that thinks it knows who and what we are suppose to be and do. We stay very busy trying to mold ourselves into that person believing something is wrong with the way we are. Through the practice of sensitive attunement, we rediscover our intrinsic nature as we enter a path of healing.
Exploring and recognizing the joy that has no 'self' at the center of it...
the momentary joy of the pure heart for/with another's happiness,
another's success.
In this time of darkness between Solstice and the New Year, it is a wonderful time for reflection, quiet and renewal - in our practice and in our lives generally. We explore a number of factors and practices that support renewal and post three questions at the end to help open us up to what renewal means for each of us
Are you looking in the right place and in the right way for the happiness that
you are seeking?
Mindfulness of feelings: pleasant, unpleasant or neutral feeling tone
Mindfulness of the mind: mental factors/the colorations of consciousness
Mindfulness of Dhammas: seeing & knowing experience through the doors of
the truth/the way of things
With the advent of the Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year - comes the promise that the light will return. We can honour this principle in our practice by turning towards the light that is revealed in our own minds. The goodness and purity of this light can connect us to unconditional peace and love. A talk given at the Ottawa Buddhist Society in 2008.
