Virginia Dickinson
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Stina, I’m so sorry to hear about your sinus infection. They are indeed awful. I hope that you are feeling better. I like the idea of following one’s intuition about when to speak or add something in. Following one’s intuition seems like it would build confidence. Thank you for sharing this. Take care!
Vy, I love the idea of sending supportive energy to those who we are teaching! I think that is a nice focus to have. I will try this! Thank you!
This was the first time I have provided meditation instruction so I felt a bit anxious. As I result I feel that I rushed through the introduction. No worries, I will feel much more confident next time. My partner, Nikki, did an excellent job with her introduction, so I learned a great deal from her. I think that this is what this teaching practice is about; learning from others, and getting more confident. It’s funny, because I am so confident in other areas of my life. I suppose that this is natural when trying something brand new. I’m looking forward to more practice and what I will learn from others along the way. Thanks everyone!
When I think of the concept of lineage what comes to mind for me is something that has been passed down from generation to generation, and this doesn’t necessarily have to be passed through a family or bloodline. Thinking about lineage immediately made me think of being a mother and a grandmother. I have felt so incredibly blessed to be both. My mother and my grandmothers were all loving and involved in my life. I am thankful for this. Since this was modeled to me, being an involved mother and grandmother has come naturally to me. It’s interesting though because being an involved grandmother can sometimes be something that I have to really work at. By this I mean I have to be sure to reach out a lot because one of families is very busy. Since the kids have gotten older they don’t need me as much, but I know that I need to still be as involved as I can. Being an involved grandmother to me also means that I am still being a mother to my sons. It may not seem like this to them, but they are always at the heart of why I am involved with their children.
A lineage that I have adopted as I’ve grown older is to be steward for the wild things. The natural world has become very important to me. In particular I do what I can to help the birds in my community. I do this by participating in citizen science programs and educating myself about birds, wildlife and the effects of climate change. I hope that this lineage will be passed on to my grandsons. I’m working at it! When I’m out with my binoculars and camera people will often stop to ask me about birds. I hope that these interactions help to pass on the importance of the wild things in our world.
Kat, I just started an online Tai Chi class. I know literally nothing about Tai Chi! I started the class and liked it, but decided to get the accompanying book before going further. I really do want to understand the philosophy. You wrote that the practice is simple, but not easy. That is one of my first takeaways! Thank you for sharing!
Stina, I also identify with the lineage of being a mother. It is indeed has been one of the most challenging but worthwhile journeys. Yes, early motherhood is especially a challenge. Such an adaption, and then to just find time to care for oneself. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the lineage of being an only child. I have several dear friends who are also only children, and your thoughts have helped me to understand them more deeply.
Kat, I love the story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull! What a nice metaphor for you; something new when things felt so scary. It sounds like you have indeed been courageous through the challenges that you have faced. Thank you also for pointing out the need to find a different way of looking at what is going on in the US. As things get more frightening and divisive I feel that too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Anita, it’s so interesting how you have seen the way these two philosophies have played out in your life over time. It makes sense that when you were free to “rebel” that you turned towards nihilism, the opposite of what your parents were trying to instill in you. How do we really grow if we don’t rebel? But as you wrote you found yourself returning to the earlier leanings of eternalism. I bet this happens to many as they become parents. I’ve read from a few different sources, one being David Bowie, that we don’t really come into who we are (or what we truly believe) until the second half of life. I think this is true! Then we seem to find the courage or just the need to be who we truly are. Thanks for sharing!
On an initial reflection of nihilism my first reaction is to say that it has not been part of my life, and that I haven’t had any significant experiences with this concept. However if I think a bit more deeply I can see that my own “limited” thinking about an issue or topic can be considered nihilistic. For example when confronted with a situation, usually a challenging one, I can tell myself “well this is just the way it or he/she is. Nothing will change.” I guess this is really nihilistic thinking! So it might be better for me to reframe this as “this is what is now,” and then not dwell on whether it will change or not.
Since I had a Judeo/Christian upbringing I am much more familiar with the concept of eternalism. I was brought up with the idea that there is a God and a heaven, which is place we should seek to enter at some point. Like many of you this seemed too simplistic for me as a grew into a young adult, so I began exploring other philosophies or paths which eventually led me to Buddhism. I will say that some of the promises of eternalism do offer comfort. My sister and I like to think that our beloved parents are united somewhere, such as heaven since this was their belief, but reality tells me this may not be so. I do know that they are forever in my heart, but that forever may only be as long as I’m here. 🙂 As I journey through life on a Buddhist path, more and more I do take comfort in the concept that I just don’t know what will happen. This helps me not to dread things such as growing old, which is getting closer all of the time! The greatest teaching of this path has been to teach me to continually let go. It does indeed feel freeing.
I hope that all of you have a good week. Stay warm and take care!
I’m not quite sure if this is the correct way to respond to posts, but here goes:
Natalie, I found it helpful to state “we think about what they need, not what we know.” Yes! Very important. It’s so tempting to think, I have been through this I know exactly what to do. Although it is well intentioned it often is not helpful.
Andrew, you wrote about allowing the student to share their experience without interpreting it for them. I agree that we have to take that step back and just listen. I know that certainly isn’t always easy for me!
Thanks for your thoughts!
To assist an individual in the process of discovery the teacher can provide a safe space or environment which Susan called the container. The container is the guidelines which uses tools or techniques to help the individual in the discovery process. The teacher should also provide deep listening, which focuses on understanding where the individual is coming from without passing judgment. At this point the teacher should also refrain from providing too much information or even what they may consider helpful feedback. Instead the discovery process can be deepened by asking questions such as “what are your thoughts about what you experienced?” If the individual has questions the teacher can continue to facilitate the discovery process by saying, “tell me what your thoughts are about this.”
Hi Rosie,
Yes, I agree that there is lots of overlap with providing therapy and having a spiritual practice. I do feel that the Buddhist teachings help me to be a better therapist.
See you on Saturday!
Take care,
Ginni