Practice, gently…

As we turn into the New Year, it’s so natural for me, the Capricorn that I am, and maybe for you too, to start with a reflection of the past year and build a short list of priorities for this next. As I pause to begin my process, the wise teaching of Swami Kripalu, one of my core teachers, comes to me. In his words, “Self-observation without judgement is the highest form of spiritual practice.” Although I never met Bapuji, or Grandfather, as he was called, Swami Kripalu’s words resonate deeply.

Mindfulness, at its core, is a practice of paying attention to the present moment with kindness and compassion so that we can attend, without judgement, to this moment in its wholeness, whether beauty or messiness, sprinkling in a bit of curiosity or even gratitude for all it reveals. It’s a chance to pause in the busyness of life, to breathe, relax, feel, and allow. Then, we are more able to step forward into the new (moment…or year) with fresh eyes, an open heart and grounded in our own centered, compassionate self.

Jack Kornfield teaches us to “remember that in training a puppy we want to end up with the puppy as our friend. In the same way, we must practice seeing our mind and body as “friend.” Even (the mind’s) wanderings can be included in our meditation with a friendly interest and curiosity.”

“It takes a gentleness and a kind-hearted understanding to deepen the art of concentration. We can’t be present for a long period without actually softening, dropping into our bodies, coming to rest. Any other kind of concentration, achieved by force and tension, will only be short-lived. Our task is to train the puppy (mind) to become our lifelong friend.” (Jack Kornfield)

So this morning, I begin the day, and end the year, with a gentle breath meditation, observing the softness of breath as it moves in and out of my body, as if I was observing the puppy breathing at rest, and then a brief scan of the body and mind to arrive here, as the day begins, clear and cold and sunny. May you, too, step forward with gentleness in this new year, holding yourself tenderly, observing self without judgement, and bringing playfulness and affection of puppy, or kitty, or young friend into the new year with you.

If you are interested in a regular mindfulness practice, please join me weekly for my live-on-Zoom guided mindfulness practice sessions. In a friendly small group setting, we practice and learn together. The sessions are offered freely, donations are accepted, and appreciated. Join me Mondays at 6:30pm EST for some easy movement to ease out of the day and 7pm EST for a 25 min guided meditation. Contact me at liveyourpractice@gmail.com for more information! And please feel free to share this with others who might be interested! 🙏