Daily Reflection Sit

The Seven Factors grow out of one another and culminate in Equanimity. As a way of working with Equanimity, it can be easier to  begin by noticing when we are out of balance and play with restoring an embodied posture of mindful caring attention.

Slowly, gradually, through repeated exposure, we learn to react less dramatically to more of our experience.

We can practice bringing “kind-er eyes” to alight on different parts of the body. This awakens the body, awakens kindness, and strengthens the staying power of attention.

Cultivating calm abiding slowly but surely.

How we can slow down, notice our distress and dukkha and cultivate skillful means to comfort ourselves and find refuge in calm.

It is easy to feel calm in the midst of life all around us  in the natural world.  It brings ease to ourselves, invites moves towards concentration and equanimity, and is a gift that we can offer others….human and otherwise.

Exploring the range of ways that joy can be experienced and felt in our practice and lives, and how it can help us feel more alive.

A Buddhist Way of Appreciating Joy

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.