At its core, mindfulness is a heart-centered practice. Engaging in any Heart Practice one can experience the fundamental wholeness and goodness in ourselves and others, discovering the innate truth of our interdependence. We are never truly alone, not ever.
HEART PRACTICES
The Mountain Meditation was first offered by Jon Kabot Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Clinic. This practice strengthens one’s ability to ground in the present moment and embody a mountain’s steadfast calm amidst the swirling winds and shifting clouds of life.
All too often, we receive messages telling us to put other things first. Messages like work comes first. Children, partners, friends, and the community all take priority over self-care. Over time, we begin to shut down or ignore our inner guidance and the signals our body offers that support our well-being go unheard. When we believe that our best must be given away, we seek our good from outside sources. In truth, we can not give what we don’t possess. In reality, no other human knows what you need better than you. This practice assists with the untangling of these beliefs.
The human mind was not built for “Not Knowing.” From a young age, all it wants is answers—question after question. When solutions are available, they have a calming effect. If not, the mind spins round and round. Why, Why, Why. In times of questioning, turning inward, following the breath, and sitting with uncertainty, the fear the mind holds around uncertainty eases and can shift towards a peace-filled wonder instead.
Chronic pain can shape the relationship to our minds, bodies and Hearts.” – Stan Eisenstein This mediation offers practices that can make it easier to stay with and get to know both physical and emotional discomfort. Should you find it beneficial, I would encourage you to consider enrolling in Stan Eisenstein’s Course Inviting Chronic Pain and Illness to Tea. Details of this life-changing course can be found at: https://www.
Our emotions are intelligent. When we are caught in fear, we often forget our larger sense of belonging. Our shared belonging to all through loving awakened awareness. The following Tonglen (compassion) practice assists us in remembering and reopening our shared spiritual heart.
Wisdom teachings indicate that our fathom-long bodies hold all we need to be fully human, fully awake, and fully alive. The seeds of love, compassion, joy, and trust are all within us. Yet, just like all other aspects of the body, all need nurturing to grow strong. This meditation nurtures and strengthens our trust muscles.
“GREETINGS TO THE NATURAL WORLD” is a Haunosaunee’s Thanksgiving Address. I discovered this meditation in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book Braiding Sweetgrass. When Robin sought permission to include it, the wisdom holder she approached replied, “Unless it is shared, how will the world ever be of one mind?”
May we all be of one mind.
This gratitude meditation is based on the story of Sono a Zen master who hundreds of years ago in Japan, was known far and wide for her healing wisdom. No matter what the pain or affliction, Sono offered one simple remedy – Every day repeat this mantra:
“Thank you for everything, I have no complaints whatsoever.”
As the story goes, those who took her advice to heart found happiness and healing.
It is said that mindfulness is like a bird; it needs two wings to fly. The first wing is clear seeing, and understanding our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. The second wing is is compassion and the ability to attend and befriend it all. This meditation reminds us that we, like everyone person on the planet, are human and in that humanness, we have much in common.
During times of crisis, it’s natural for our minds to go into protection mode. That’s just what the mind does. Daily it is inundated with a continuous stream of problems it can not solve. As a result, we experience distress throughout our bodies and personal peace can seem unachievable. This meditation offers small actions to strengthen our personal peace which then ripples out to others.
The lake meditation by Jon Kabat Zinn asks us to sit with the intention to hold in awareness and acceptance of all the qualities of mind and body. To identify not only with the content of thoughts and feelings but to touch into the vast unwavering reservoir of stillness, and awareness beneath.