As we head into the holidays and new year, not only are our metaphorical plates likely full right now, our minds might also be filled with various goals for ourselves – for what comes next.
It’s just a very natural time for us to do this.
For me, I’ve always felt this pull acutely,since December also happens to be the month of my birth, and my husband’s, along with about a handful of other close friends and relatives who all chose this busy end-of-the-year month to be born.
So especially when I’ve been meditating lately, what I’ve been noticing is how much my mind has been leaning forward into the future.
And while the Buddha assured us that it’s healthy to be aware of all our different intentions, he also suggested that once we’ve planted the seeds of our plans, our practice becomes surrendering to any determined outcome – to truly let go, of all of it.
Not easy! Which is why this teaching lies at the very heart of our practice, because ultimately, it’s exactly what we’re training ourselves to do – to let. go.
This month’s talk, EMPTY OF EXPECTATION: Exploring “Beginner’s Mind”, is aimed at helping us to let go more and more often by inviting us to see all things as new – including all situations, people, and especially ourselves – rather than clinging so tightly to our preconceived beliefs and expectations, which tend to keep us stuck.
It includes a meditation at the end. As always, I hope that it will serve.
Also, just few heads up!
1) I’ve recently made the decision to give myself a little more time next year, for rest, and will only be offering one in-person workshop next year … an 8-week course on The Four Foundations of Mindfulness Jan. 7 – Feb. 5, 2024 in Winchester, VA. Spots are limited!
2) The Dec. 9 daylong retreat in Berryville, VA, “FULL SURRENDER: Learning to Ride the Waves” is now FULL with a short waiting list.
3) The next daylong retreat on Sat., Jan. 27, “Living From Your Deepest Intention“ is open for registration! Save your spot!
With joy, and kind wishes for Happy Holidays and 2024!
~ Shell