Dear Common Ground Friends,
Many of us come to meditation carrying a great deal of tension in our bodies and minds, some of which we notice and much that we don't. It may be surprising to feel the degree of tension that is present, and we may even think there is something about meditation that is making it worse. Often, the stillness is simply having its effect and the tension finally has the space to be known and worked with.
Cultivating a restful attitude has an important place in practice. Continuously renewing this attitude supports the conditions for awareness to develop. When the body softens and the mind settles, it becomes easier to notice how it is right now. We can begin to feel into our experience more clearly, without being pulled around so strongly by tension, resistance, or contention.
Fortunately, a restful attitude is not something we need to demand. In fact, cultivating a restful attitude toward tension itself is also wise and skillful. A sense of rest in meditation comes as we learn to stop fighting with what is here. We notice tension, impatience, or discomfort and invite ourselves to meet these experiences with a little more kindness and curiosity. This doesn't mean everything suddenly feels peaceful or relaxed. Rather, we discover that how we relate to experience really matters and we learn that we can be here even when things are difficult. Over time, this willingness to soften and stay connected to our experience becomes a source of ease and support on the path of practice.
Wishing everyone well this week.
Peace,
Shelly Graf
Co-Guiding Teacher