Monday, October 28, we will meet online.
Dear Friends,
This week: we will meet Monday evening, October 28th, from 7-8:30PM EDT online, Wednesday morning, Oct 30th, from 7-8AM EDT in person at our meditation space (3812 Northampton Street NW), and Friday, Nov 1st 12-1PM EDT online.
On Monday night, Marie will facilitate, and we will share our experiences with recognizing and feeling that paradise is here.
She shares: I recently returned from a visit to my elderly mother, who was surprisingly well and oh-so present with everything. Being with her nourished my practice in ways I hadn’t noticed before. Whether she was delighting in the dappled sunlight filtering through tangerine-colored trees, extolling the crispness of fish’n’chips, or reflecting on her aging and “uncooperative” body, she was fully in the moment.
I, on the other hand, had a long to-do list! While these tasks were for her and needed to be done (said my habit energy), I could feel how busy-ness and multi-tasking detracted from my experience and probably hers (though she did not complain). It took me a little longer than I would have liked (hello judgment) to greet these habit energies and surrender. When I was with her, I was fully with her, and I used the evenings and early mornings to get some stuff done. I let go of the rest.
What a joy! As Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, in some passages from Fragrant Palm Leaves, “Paradise is here… When the mind divides reality up, when it judges and discriminates, it kills paradise.” Later, he writes: “to cope with his fears and insecurities, the premature hero has to stay busy all the time…” I was doing both.
While a part of me chastises myself for forgetting, I am comforted by remembering that very the act of remembering, of becoming aware, is what strengthens my mindfulness muscle. My mother is a bell of mindfulness; she calls me back to my true home and helps me to see/feel that paradise is here!
Realizing this has brought me great joy, and on Monday night, you’re invited to share what brings you back. You might ponder questions such as:
What and/or who helps you to remember that paradise is here?
Are there times when you seek to forget?
What does it feel like when you remember?
Other aspects of your practice that you wish to share are also welcome. I look forward to us virtually being together on Monday.
With a warm bow,
Marie