Weekly Guiding Teacher Reflection

Dear Common Ground Friends,

No matter the particular meditation technique one uses, Buddhist practice depends on developing a continuity and stability of present-moment awareness. So much of this path, the development of wisdom and compassion, depends on learning what attitudes of mind, what choices, and what practices support greater continuity and what habits support more distraction – being lost in thought. Thich Nhat Hahn once said about spiritual practice, “The only real enemy is forgetfulness.” In order to develop the habit of keeping the present moment in mind, we need to recognize for ourselves the real benefit of doing so, and the actual risk that arises when we are distracted or disconnected.

The Buddha encourages us to build a continuity of present-moment awareness by remembering the simple truth, “There is a body.” It is possible for us to value returning over and over again to this clear recognition of embodiment – the bare truth of bodily sensations being felt, sounds being heard, and sights being seen. This is a relaxed and full embracing of the sensitivity that comes with being human. Let’s cultivate a deep value of not forgetting. One teacher summed up the Buddha’s teachings as, “Only just connect.”

Wishes for grounded joy all around this Spring,
Mark Nunberg
Co-Guiding Teacher