How is it possible to practice during a time of stress and anger?
October 7, 2024 | 8 CommentsAudio only version is here.
Meditation begins at 16:15
Dear, wonderful Open Heart Project practitioners,
May all beings discover their inherent sanity and decency.
Although it may sound improbable, meditation is a direct conduit to such qualities. It introduces space between what we think and what we do, how we feel and the conclusions we draw about self and other. Truly, the world is in need of people who know how to work with their minds–not as stress-reduction or in order to get a better night’s sleep (both of which are awesome) but to be of benefit to this world. This is why the Open Heart Project was created to begin with.
Over in the Open Heart Project sangha we are spending the entire year on the topic of spiritual practice IRL. If you have any interest in joining, please check it out. It would be great to see you there.
In today’s video, I talk a bit about the #1 most difficult task for spiritual practitioners: how to express loving kindness for those we may hate. (Spoiler alert: you don’t have to forgive anyone or excuse anything…) Please have a listen to learn more.
With love, Susan
categorized in: dharma, open heart project
8 Comments
This is timely reflection for me Susan! I find it challenging about what to do regarding a person who has repeatedly been very hurtful towards me and others. If i forgive this person, he will still not change his position. He will likely continue with the hurtful behaviour. Unfortunately, this person also has health issues so is in need of help. So if I forgive but not interact or help this person in need, would I be failing to show loving kindness towards this person? I can cook him some meals and drop them but not talk to him…. I don’t want to be hurt over and over again by verbally interacting with this person…
Cathy, what a difficult situation. There is no particular formula, as I’m sure you know. The first person you could extend loving kindness to is yourself. That is always the best place to begin. Trust yourself to make the best choices you can and then revise as needed. Too, I don’t think you need to forgive this person in order to experience or express loving kindness. You are fully entitled to your feelings and reactions. Take care of yourself in all cases. <3 S
I have often felt anger and hate but I have noticed since I started meditating about 6 weeks ago that my feelings of anger have come and I was able to let them pass before I responded. And, amazingly for me, I don’t hate anyone currently. Thanks for tackling such a difficult topic.
Many thanks for watching and glad your practice is deepening in this way! <3 S
Thank you, Susan, for this teaching. Though I’ve heard it previously, each time it helps deepened my commitment to not label “us & them”. It’s such a difficult time in our history with such atrocities visible through social media and with our election coming up where it’s necessary to vote for a person. I’d prefer to vote for qualities of decency!! I’m relieved that we can hate the actions of certain people who are doing harm!! With appreciation always, Betsy
So happy to practice it all with you, Betsy! <3 S
Very grateful, Susan for your candid wisdom. I take refuge in sitting and listening to your teachings. Also, here I facilitate a small Sangha, yet it has dwindled quite; one member claimed he didn’t want refuge. This comment hurt at first but now I feel blessed to be with folks who don’t always think alike and regardless I can keep supporting others good inner nature. As you teach, othering will not heal nor is it true. Thank you for the beauty you give me. I am happy you are there.
With a bow, Deborah
And I’m happy you are there. With love, S