Dear Listener,
The recent news feels like its generating some unnameable pressure. With multiple moving parts to our global community- supply chain issues, floods, wars, inflation, hurricanes, demonstrations, drafts, censorship, lock downs, lock-ups, human trafficking, etc…. how can we navigate this world without being in an intense emotional state all the time (fear, rage, guilt, sorrow, loneliness, etc..)? This tension is palpable, like a dense damp fog of emotions wrapping some, topped with a swirl of thoughts…. to reduce that negative spin its helpful to edit the sources that are read, watched or listened to for news. Typically selecting dry (non-histrionic) and avoiding video/streaming formats (sound plus images seem to intensify reactions and dilute information)…. I’m essentially suggesting searching for truthful sources with a neutral tone so you may use wisdom when making conclusions or decisions. Deciphering the truth and applying wisdom is near impossible when embedded in an emotional state.
As I sit with this question on how to ride the wave coming our way, I found an answer in recent readings this week. To find peace deeply, on a soul-level, it involves attaining a quiet mind and a withdrawal of worldly desires. Prior posts on this podcast offer suggestions on how to reduce mental chatter and quiet the mind, so I explain the second point further.
‘Withdrawal’ doesn’t suggest a non-present detachment (absence of feeling, being uncaring), imply giving up on life or a pursuit of happiness. Rather, withdrawal suggests inviting a space between presence and desires (the latter tends to generate emotions). That space allows us to observe, and becomes a form of withdrawal. Sometimes people find they need to alone-time for a half-day or to go on a long walk to reflect on personal desires. Desires can yearn for wealth, power, popularity, fame, sex, or sensual pleasures- to name a few. As Thich Nhat Hanh says, “running after these objects of craving can lead to destruction of body and mind” . Creating a space around desires helps frame it shape on behavior, and facilitates peace which reduce emotional snags that usurp recognizing truth and applying wisdom. This type of internal liberation required some practice to cultivate but is available to us all.
Drama is seductive and has the power to distract us from internal peace, by design.
Today’s pod is a mindfulness based meditation tapping into the grand nature of trees, since they are kinda stealing the show in the Northeast these days.
Thank you for listening. This post is public, if you feel inspired, help me spread hope across the globe and share this post and meditation with 3 or more friends. Have a peaceful fall day.
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