Mindfulness is one particular aspect of awareness that is shining through us all the time. As we tune into awareness, we connect with a spacious perspective that counteracts the solidification of a small separate self and opens us to connection with all things and true freedom.
The hindrances are part of the inner landscape on the journey to wholeness and awakening. When we recognize them with mindfulness, they don't need to be a problem.
Our breath can be a home base that allows us to meet life with a relaxed, wakeful presence. This meditation helps us calm and settle the mind with long deep breathing, and then establishes a mindful presence with our natural breathing. When distracted, we learn to relax back again and again, learning the pathway of homecoming to the aliveness, openness and mystery that is always Here.
While fear is a natural and intelligent emotion, when fear goes on overdrive, we are in a trance of fear that contracts our body, heart and mind. Our resistance to the direct experience of fear sustains the trance and leads to decisions and behaviors that harm ourselves and others. Only by facing fear with mindfulness and compassion can we awaken from trance and reconnect with our capacity for creativity and full aliveness, wisdom and love.
Continuing after our exploration of the first parami, generosity, with examining the last parami, equanimity-- what it is, and some ways to cultivate great equanimity.
