Self-Awareness not Self-Improvement

Sunset of a Lifetime Over Wetlands

 

Oh, friends. Hello.

I had this remarkable weekend at Kripalu, creating the Inner Quest with wonderous people, just the right people.

It was powerful and right and effortful……

And completely not effortful at all, in the same moment.

I came home.

I had a tiny crash, indulged in some Netflix-ing, some good enough food eating.

Not a big crash.

But now—now I face a big workday—and I feel slightly freaked.

I am tired.

I have a whispering headache, a personal villain.

As a limited caffeine person, having a little caffeine just doesn’t work.

Damn it.

And you know what?

So what.

And you know what?

It will pass.

It always passes.

I’m remembering this fabulous quote by Pema Chodron, a massive hero of mine.

Here’s Pema:

“We already have everything we need. There is no need for self-improvement. You can feel as wretched as you like, and you’re still a good candidate for enlightenment. You can feel like the world’s most hopeless basket case, but that feeling is your wealth, not something to be thrown out or improved upon……

All the time our warmth and our brilliance are right here. This is who we really are. We are one blink of an eye away from being fully awake.”*

Right here, right now.

Breathe and relax.

Right here, right now.

Notice and give it back.

Nothing much to do but allow the day to move me forward.

Nothing much to do but to show up as best I can.

It’s Wednesday.

Then it will be Thursday.

Friday, we believe, will come after that.

I find comfort in that.

How might you allow yourself to be exactly where you are today?

Consider.

Any acts of self-kindness you might offer yourself?

I will color-code my time commitments for the week.

(Makes me feel safer.)

I will walk the dog and love her adorable-ness.

I will show up as best I can.

I will come home and eat easy food.

I will do my best,

Without forcing without pushing.

~~~

And music. Ah, music. It so helps. I saw these two profound musicians in concert a few weeks ago, and I’ve been comforted by their guitars, their musicality ever since.

 

Here is their beautiful cover George Harrison’s classic, While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

Listen to their guitars—especially the end:

More info about Joel and Dave

 

Dear Friends,

 

Ahhhhh.

One breath.

One step.

One moment

At a time.

 

That really is all

That is asked of us.

 

See it happening.

We are practicing.

It is happening.

 

This is what practicing looks like.

 

May all beings benefit from our shared words.

 

Stay blessed,

Aruni

*Pema Chodron, Awakening Loving-Kindness

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