I will also add something a student said to me once, a kid with TBI and significant cognitive disability, memory issues, and all that comes with it...
I was teaching and he looked up at me and said, "Dena, I was zoned out, but I am back now."
That was easily 15 years ago- and I still come back to that...I love it, it's a life lesson gem.
Interesting side note- I now have retired from teaching and work part time in a day program for adults with significant multiple disabilities- and he and I are together again!
Am I making this choice from clarity, or am I being pulled by old habits? Am I paying attention to what my body, my relationships, and the world are showing me?"
The moment I can ask myself that question, Am I aware???, and feel into my body, and get back to seeing the person and the moment in front of me as they are/ as I am/as things are....that right there is my practice....
The moment I can realize I was zoned out, stepped away, out of synch, and not showing up with attention and intention...that right there is awareness.
Not judging myself for the honesty of saying "Nope, I am not!" (And yes, I still do that too)
But gratitude for recognizing it and seeing the moment as progress itself, and to just keep going from there.
“Today, notice how quickly the mind wants to evaluate every experience…Instead of following that story, try asking, Am I awake right now?”: What a revolutionary statement. This is it. Following this is a brave and revolutionary act. I feel this in my bones. So many thanks for writing this 🌞
sometimes something happens so in our face it's like "oh yeah, I am awake and aware"- and can I sleep tonight? That's also the practice...brave and revolutionary- I love that, Alexandra. :)
While I would not give up my practice, I found myself asking "what am I doing?" and "what is the point of this?" Just now, reading "Are you awake?" was like an axe cutting through all the questions (I remember that from a past Commit to Sit). That is the only question and the answer is easy. (No I am not and zazen is what I do). I have also been thinking a lot about the Evening Gatha. "Take Heed!" Thank you Koshin Sensei.
I will also add something a student said to me once, a kid with TBI and significant cognitive disability, memory issues, and all that comes with it...
I was teaching and he looked up at me and said, "Dena, I was zoned out, but I am back now."
That was easily 15 years ago- and I still come back to that...I love it, it's a life lesson gem.
Interesting side note- I now have retired from teaching and work part time in a day program for adults with significant multiple disabilities- and he and I are together again!
What a gift!
D/P
"I return to the same question, ‘Am I awake?’
Am I making this choice from clarity, or am I being pulled by old habits? Am I paying attention to what my body, my relationships, and the world are showing me?"
The moment I can ask myself that question, Am I aware???, and feel into my body, and get back to seeing the person and the moment in front of me as they are/ as I am/as things are....that right there is my practice....
The moment I can realize I was zoned out, stepped away, out of synch, and not showing up with attention and intention...that right there is awareness.
Not judging myself for the honesty of saying "Nope, I am not!" (And yes, I still do that too)
But gratitude for recognizing it and seeing the moment as progress itself, and to just keep going from there.
Deep bows and smiles to all...
Dena/Piydittha. :)
“Today, notice how quickly the mind wants to evaluate every experience…Instead of following that story, try asking, Am I awake right now?”: What a revolutionary statement. This is it. Following this is a brave and revolutionary act. I feel this in my bones. So many thanks for writing this 🌞
sometimes something happens so in our face it's like "oh yeah, I am awake and aware"- and can I sleep tonight? That's also the practice...brave and revolutionary- I love that, Alexandra. :)
While I would not give up my practice, I found myself asking "what am I doing?" and "what is the point of this?" Just now, reading "Are you awake?" was like an axe cutting through all the questions (I remember that from a past Commit to Sit). That is the only question and the answer is easy. (No I am not and zazen is what I do). I have also been thinking a lot about the Evening Gatha. "Take Heed!" Thank you Koshin Sensei.
Perfect timing - we get the inspiration we need when we need it! Thank you, thank you.
I forgot to say thank you for all your writing and for being who you are in the world.