This weeks’ topic for reflection is Pause and Reflect. Simply pause for a moment. Allow this moment. Let go of the busyness and be still, letting in the moment however it is. Inhale and then exhale. How does this feel? Give yourself enough time to do this thoroughly. As Rom Das said, “Be here, now.” Pause means not needing to accomplish anything. Give yourself this permission.
When you have ten minutes or more pause and reflect. Perhaps reflect on what it means to reflect. Empty mirrors reflect. Can you be like an empty mirror and simply reflect? What kind of letting go would that be? Letting go to real opening. There’s no need to supply content to reflect. Perhaps pause and reflect on where and how you are tight or holding, distracted or anxious.
Allow your body to be still and alert. Do this when you have fifteen minutes or more to pause and reflect. Don’t be in a hurry. Have the intention to be still even if your body feels antsy or nervous. Don’t force it. Allow is the key word. Also pay attention. The mind naturally follows the body and will be calmer with a calm still body. Allow the breath to flow naturally. Follow the breath while returning to pause and reflection.
Pause and return is similar to pause and reflect. When you find yourself being distracted, pause and return to being present. Do this as often as you think of it. Have the intention of being present. Present and moving with or flowing in the situation. This is not about being stuck as a separate observer or a way to escape. It's open and intimate.
Please join us for morning Zoom zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, in person zazen at the McNail Riley House Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
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