Daily Reflection Sit

It is a joy to receive and it is an art. Compliments are an easy way to practice and experience this joy. We all secretly want to be seen and appreciated for who we are and what we do. Notice, feel, breathe, let the compliment land, then, and only then, say “thank you” and shhhhh (finger to mouth), no buts, no qualifiers, just “thank you”.

Exploring the evolutionary, societal and personal conditioning which make it challenging to arouse and sustain joy.

There are the everyday kinds of joy with their big and small delights and there are the quieter kinds of joy that come from meditation, from setting aside our burdens and the busyness of the day. They are to be enjoyed! Savor the flavor!

Appreciating and savoring small moments of joy.

Be on the lookout for joy in small ordinary moments. Nurture it.

We can experience a happiness that is not dependent on pleasant vedena - the dhamma joy that comes with fully being with what is arising and passing with acceptance, non-judgment, interest, and care.

Joy is a central factor in Buddhist teachings. Joy can be experienced during formal practice, while we sit, alone and/or with a sangha. And it can arise off the cushion too, when we practice kindness, appreciation and gratitude. What brings you joy?

Pitta, joy, is not dependent on any outside circumstances but instead arises from our practice and our freedom from greed and aversion.  It can arise in the midst of pleasant and unpleasant conditions.  We can see joy manifested in the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.

The first way is to assess for balance.        Is energy balanced in the sweet spot of 4-6 on a 1-10 scale?  The second way asks,        Is energy being used to let go of the unwholesome, or to not invite the unwholesome        around?        AND       Is energy being used to keep the wholesome around, or to invite the wholesome around?

Easier said than done! This is a deep habit which can be modified, but gradually.

How to use the R.A.I.N. acronym  to check in with your energy and redirect mindful attention as needed or orient in the direction of wellbeing and ease. Mindful Self Care.

Right Effort orients us in the direction of well-being and peace of mind.

We are social creatures. And in our connection and communing with others, an energy field is created–for the better or for the worse. A concert, a protest, a parade, a political rally all create a collective energetic force field with its own particular tone or flavor. Know what collective you wish to be a part of. See which ones strengthen and brighten the heart in times of difficulty.

On a 1 to 10 scale, monitoring your energy while orienting toward the 4 to 6 range.

In all of us there is a mix of wholesome and unwholesome energies. Let’s be mindful of what energy we are feeding, and putting out into the world and directing at ourselves. Let’s leave a legacy of goodwill in our wake.