January 7 – From a balanced mind and an open heart

By | January 7, 2020

Dear Friends,

Just a few concluding reflections on Sally Armstrong’s talk, “The roles of mindfulness, metta and equanimity in our practice“.

Here are Sally’s closing comments in this talk:

That’s the possibility of these practices. Landing in the present moment, knowing what’s happening, in our direct experience. Feeling that connectedness with the external, with other, with the world, with nature. Opening the heart to this potential of kindness, of metta. Bringing this balance, this resiliency of mind.

This is this amazing tripod – very sturdy – the foundations of our practice that allow us to open, to learn to trust ourselves, and to find the freedom that’s possible. That’s on this path, in this path, here and now.

From a balanced mind and an open heart.

Guided meditation: This recent recording from Tara Brach weaves mindfulness and kindness together, in a balanced way – much like what Sally has been discussing in her talk. After a few opening remarks, the meditation starts at about 5:15 and is about 33 minutes long.
https://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/60058/

Reflection: Over the past few days, we’ve delved into Sally’s first talk of the retreat. Was there something that resonated with you or inspired you?

Feel free to share your reflections or comments below, or by email.

With warm wishes,
Andrea