Pam Nicholls
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In developing a couple of shrine areas and thinking of them as offerings, and in requesting blessings, I’ve had two vivid discoveries so far.
One is the experience of being connected to my lineage – and the definition of “lineage” is evolving (radical teachers?) – along with connection to Life, even the web of life. (Thank you Susan and Emerald Podcast.) I’ve considered shrines I’ve always placed around my homes as “just how I decorate,” as Tracy said. Mostly expressions of what I love. The spotlight on the element of belonging to lineage(s) and the web of life is new. A wonderful contribution to the ongoing project of forging an identity.
The second discovery is a new sense of the power of the sangha. Sharing and receiving encouragement for this serious life endeavor. All of us taking it on. Soul-making. I feel the support and the connection in our web, and appreciate it deeply. Thank you!
The creation of the shrines is a manifestation of me cherishing my life. Plus playing.
The specific objects in the BBB shrines will be evolving. I’m living with others’ furniture these days, with very little of my own stuff, which is in storage for who knows how long. I have some key items and will be adding more over time. This is pretty delicous.So glad to be part of this circle.
Some notes on “Where I see the 3 yanas in my personal meditation practice” at this moment, with brand-new understanding of the concepts:
Hinayana – I have set up sacred space, objects and intent. Morning ritual, not always in this order: 2 cups of tea during 3 morning pages, meditation, Yoga with Adriene (daily for 4+ years), walk the dog following her lead, feed the dog, engage in correspondence. Catch up on the news. Trying for awareness in the moment, through meditation and beyond. Very elusive! During meditation, returning again and again to now; that’s working. Habit, discipline, container. What can I give up? That almost daily can of cider? . . .
Mahayana – Ten years of sitting with Pema Chodron on audiotape in a walkman, 20-minute lovingkindness meditation. Ten years of Heartmath practice with biofeedback, heart focus heart breathing heart feeling. Singing “may I feel safe, may I be happy, may I be healthy, may I live in peace,” and “may we all . . .”, while walking with my dog. Emotions: Having an open heart allows suffering to enter. Meditation practice has increased my range of emotions and my vulnerability. Enneagram studies, practices, film & literature group are heart-opening to self and others. Is it Mahayana practice?
Vajryana – Living in a sacred world. I recently moved back to the Bay Area after 40+ years here and 4 years away, because I longed for the vivid sacredness I experience in this place (and some others, but this place also offers old friends). The Bay is sentient. The sparkles. The sky, the tree, the horizon. My soul leaps up. Magic. (Figuring out a way to live here also requires magic. So far, friends and what seems like great luck have provided homes.)
Thank you