#nonstriving

[diogenescynic2288]

Sunday Sermon One: Be Chill and maybe nice to people

Greetings all. Welcome to my first Sunday sermon. Currently people in the real world call me JustiN in my day to day life, I'm trying to decide how I feel about that. You can see my screen name for this platform up there. But, I think my most relevant identifier here is my Discordian Papal name; I am Pope Orion Orangutan Omnibenevolence Kosmos, Yes; call me POOKY.

Some of my earliest memories involve attending church of a particular Christian denomination. My mom and my late former stepdad who was dad around the house during my youth were both ordained clergy members of this denomination. I haven't been back except for a few weddings and funerals in years. At the moment, I identify as an Ecumenical Heathen, which is largely synonymous with an Eclectic Pagan but the words are cooler. I am probably the only person following my particular syncretism, and despite the fact that I'm about to sermon, I don't proselytize.

I think I like the work that is called The Gospel of Thomas, which is often characterized as a Gnostic gospel. I like the way that it's entirely or mostly sayings without a surrounding narrative, which makes it quite different from the gospels canonical to modern orthodox Christian communities. It feels like the Dhammapada, which was the first religious/philosophical text that really resonated with me when I was a younger being. There are even sayings in Thomas that sound similar to the philosophy-religion ways of Asia like Buddhism or Taoism.

For instance, Rabbi Yeshua tells the disciples to chill. Saying 91 by my version of Thomas:

They said to him,

Tell us who you are that we may believe in you.

He said to them,

You examine the face of Heaven and Earth

But you have not come to know

The one who is in your presence,

And you do not know how to examine this moment.

Now consider section 63 of the version of the Tao Te Ching that I'm working from:

Do nondoing,

strive for nonstriving,

savor the flavorless,

regard the small as important,

make much of little,

repay enmity with virtue;

I'm going to intrude here with a tangent: I think that one line might be the seed of a future sermon on the topic of forgiveness. Let's just say that forgiveness seems to be a core idea that keeps civilization working and shows up in most religious ways somehow.

Do nondoing,

strive for nonstriving,

savor the flavorless,

regard the small as important,

make much of little,

repay enmity with virtue;

plan for difficulty when it is still easy,

do the great while it is still small.

The most difficult things in the world

must be done while they are easy;

the greatest things in the world

must be done while they are small.

Because of this sages never do great things;

That is why they can fulfill their greatness.

If you agree too easily, you'll be little trusted;

If you take it easy a lot, you'll have a lot of problems.

Therefore it is through difficulty that sages end up without problems.

I will admit that the end kind of contradicts the rest of the passage, but that's a thing about the Way of the Way. It uses paradoxes. But I'd feel wrong chopping it up just to seem to have a consistent message without contradiction.

So, the version of the Dhammapada that I'm working from starts with a part called the twin verses, I like this bit and hope it thematically coheres:

“He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me” – in those who harbor such thoughts hatred will never cease.

“He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me” – in those who do not harbor such thoughts hatred will cease.

For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love, this is an old rule.

The world does not know that we must all come to an end here; – but those who know it, their quarrels cease at once.

So, the theme I'd weave together out of this is examine this moment; strive for nonstriving, and cease quarrels. Chill out. And maybe be nice to people.

So, to reiterate, my message for the day is Rabbi Yeshua, Buddha Gautama, and Lao-tsu all want you to chill out and maybe be nice to people. Have a blessed day. Happy Day of the Sun unto you all. Chill be with you.

[mindful-people-community]

🎄Of all the Christmas presents you received last year, which gave you the most lasting pleasure?🎁 On January 10th 2018 we will begin our 8 week MBSR Mindful Based Stress Reduction Course. Details on the website. In October 2018 we will travel to Andalucia for our annual Mindful retreat. Our Mindful Yoga & Mindful Meditation events are not just for Christmas!...but you can invest in them at Christmas! 🙏🏼If you or the yogi in your life loves Mindful Meditation & Mindful Yoga, then it’s time for a special Christmas gift of a Mindful Vacation or the 8 week MBSR course. To make this easy for you, we have our very own gift vouchers so you can either contribute to a vacation or course, as a gift or simply go wild and buy the whole thing…the way to a Mindful heart this Christmas!💝 Ⓜ️www.mindfulpeople.community ......................................................... #mindfulmeditation #compassion #selfcompassion #beginnersmind #nonjudgement #trust #patience #letgo #letbe #acceptance #nonstriving #merseyside #liverpool #knowsley #patience #mindfulyoga #mindfulliverpool #mindfulnessliverpool #meditation #mindfulinternational #mindful #mindfulness #mindfulliving #mindfulyogliverpool #liverpoolmindful #liverpoolmindfulness #merseysidemindfulness #mindfulnessmerseyside #mindfulliverpool (at Mindful Yoga & Mindful Meditation Liverpool)

[tonyosheapoon-blog]

This strategy poster made me stop and ponder! Perhaps we would progress more without struggling and striving - #mindfulness teaches the art of #nonstriving #middleway #mindfulnessnow #thichnhathanh @plumvillageuk @plumvillagefrance (at The Open University) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxKIQwVjtgC/?igshid=1tks2yxzi0lwx

[lauragyoga]

The #yogaboard for class this week is about the Attitude that supports mindfulness: NON- STRIVING. I find this (and non judgement) to be the most challenging. We are conditioned to constantly want more & to charge forward to the next enjoyable experience. Non-striving allows us to be at peace- content with things as they are without needing more. It is about settling into a space of being & experiencing instead of always doing. #yoga #meditate #mindfulness #yogafocus #nonstriving #attitude (at Hummingbird Yoga NJ) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsosoSig92_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dhy88kvhl4zw

[acaringcounselor]

We did our first session of a 6 week introduction to Mindfulness tonight and shared these as qualities we bring to practice. This was a wonderful group who are open and seeking a path towards peace and wellbeing and so willing to share and participate. We feel honored to share this practice with others.🙏❤️#introtomindfulness #wbmindfulness #gratitude #mindfulness #appreciatelife #compassion #nonjudgmental #acceptance #generosity #beginnersmind #nonstriving #patience #trust #lettinggo #practicepracticepractice (at MedSpa Suites) https://www.instagram.com/p/BscHjiIHald/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=184lijwmnbpy3

[radical-revolution]

Chögyam Trungpa ~ NON-STRIVING

Many people think that, since ego is the root of suffering, the goal of spirituality must be to conquer and destroy ego. They struggle to eliminate ego's heavy hand but,...that struggle is merely another expression of ego....Insights come only when there are gaps in our struggle, only when we stop trying to rid ourselves of thought, when we cease siding with pious, good thoughts against bad, impure thoughts, only when we allow ourselves to see the nature of thought.

We begin to realize that there is a sane, awake quality within us. In fact this quality manifests itself only in the absence of struggle. So we discover the third noble truth, the truth of the goal: that is, nonstriving.

Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism

[16th-cornelia-street]

Sadly I did not write down which book I got this from, but this is another excerpt from a book, this one on Mindfulness

Mindfulness consists of cultivating an awareness of your mind and body and living in the here and now.

 Much time is spent rehearsing things from the past. Mindfulness is about living in the present moment.

 Take one moment at a time.

Stress response involves acknowledging emotions rather than suppressing them, while also developing tools for working with them.

 To get a sense of what a huge impact mindfulness can have on your well-being consider how often minor daily stresses affect your thoughts and emotions, which in turn exert effects on your body.

           There are choices in how you respond to any stressful situation.

 Attitudes of mindfulness

           Beginner’s mind: see things in the world as if for the first time with a sense of curiosity

           Nonjudgemental: cultivate impartial observations in regard to any experiences taking note of thoughts and feelings in each moment

           Acknowledgement: validates and acknowledges things as they are

           Nonstriving: strives not to try to get anywhere other than where you are

           Equanimity: allows you deeper understanding of the nature of change and allows you to be with change greater insight and compassion

           Letting be: let things be as they are with no need to try to let go to whatever is present

           Self-reliance: from your own experiences seeing what is true and untrue

           Self-compassion: love for self as you are without self-blame or criticism

[justfindingmyvoice]

2019 the year of “enough”

After an eventful 2018 with multiple achievements in a number of areas of my life I have decided to not to make resolutions this year. For the first time I can recall in my life I am letting go of goals and constant striving. 

I have arrived at a place in my personal development where I feel I am enough, I have enough, I do enough and am now ready to share all that means. So enough hiding! This is me finding my voice in the world creatively, professionally and who knows how else. 

[stateofmindfestival]

Acceptance means seeing things as they actually are in the present. If you have a headache, except that you have a headache. If you are overweight, why not except it as a Description of your body at this time? Sooner or later we have to come to terms with things as they are and accept them, whether it is a diagnosis of cancer or learning of someone’s death. Often acceptance is reached only after we have gone through very emotion filled periods of denial and then anger. These stages are a natural progression in the process of coming to terms with what is. They are all part of the healing process. In fact, my working definition of healing is coming to terms with things as they are. Pg 27 Full Catastrophe Living. #jonkabatzinn #mbsr #awareness #nonjudgment #mentalhealth #wellbeing #resilience  #toronto #thesix #startswithme #stateofmind #gratitude #psychology #mindfulness #meditation #nonstriving #humility #instagood #instadaily #life #love #hello #wisdom #guidance #grace #truth #soul #wisdom #soberliving #addiction #addictionrecovery #quotes #quote #quoteoftheday #instaquote (at Seasons Family Centre)

[mindful-walks-blog]

@grantdraws this is simply too epic not to share, so I hope you don't mind. I warmly encourage the viewing of www.incidentalcomics.com #grantsnider #accomplishingnothing #nonstriving #forestbathing #shinrinyoku #comics

[meditationadvise]

Free Yourself from Feeling Out of Control

A excellent numerous people who experience panic attacks experience sensation as though they are shedding control and going nuts. Some individuals describe feeling a disconnect from fact that terrifies and perplexes them. You could feel totally defenseless, as though there is absolutely nothing you can do as well as no person could aid you. You literally believe that a hazard is present, most likely, or imminent. It's a frightening experience that is not quickly failed to remember. In truth, the concern alone that it could happen once more is adequate to begin the cycle of panic as well as instability. If you're feeling frightened or unconfident regarding a reoccurrence now, you are not the only one and also there is help.

There's no forecasting when your following panic assault will certainly occur. It might happen while you're out running errands, interacting with complete strangers at the marketplace or article office. Being in public could feel like the worst-case scenario for a panic strike, yet it is also your hint to pay attention to your mind and also body. This method utilizes mindful inquiry. It will aid you explore what is driving or sustaining your panicky emotions in order that you could end up being freer from them. Exercise these abilities throughout an episode of panic on a celebration when you're out as well as about.

There's no anticipating when your following panic assault will occur. It may occur while you're out running tasks, interacting with complete strangers at the marketplace or message workplace. Being in public could seem like the worst-case situation for an anxiety attack, however it is also your cue to pay attention to your mind and also body.

1) Prior to you begin, ask on your own whether this is a great time to discover your sensations. Do you feel secure at this time? If you do feel risk-free, wage the following step. If you do not really feel secure, then it is fine to wait and also attempt this practice at an easier time, maybe when you've gone back to the privacy of your home.

2) Wherever you are-- running around community, satisfying up with a close friend, standing in line, or walking down the aisle of a market-- your technique starts when you listen to as well as end up being conscious with your breathing. You carry your breath all over, and also it is your focal point for preserving your link to the here and now wherever you go. Bear in mind your breathing, in as well as out, noticing the feelings of warmth as you breath in as well as coolness as you breath out, experiencing the surge and loss, the in and also out of each breath.

3) Take this minute to recognize any type of and all sensations that are with you now. If you really feel out of control, then just acknowledge it as a sensation, without affixing details or tales behind it. If you feel an uncontrollable worry that you're going ridiculous, then identify this sensation without making every effort to critique or evaluate the feeling. Provide yourself consent to just identify and acknowledge the emotions that are showing up as well as let them be. You may be telling on your own: I feel as if something terrible is about to occur. I really feel as though I have actually shed touch with truth. I really feel as though I can not trust any individual. Possibly I cannot even trust fund myself. Other unrelated feelings and ideas might come to mind, like I'm hungry. I wish that he calls soon. I question where I left my to-do list. Make room in this minute to just let these sensations arise and attempt to remain with the sensations and also ideas equally as they are. Simply acknowledge exactly what's here, without connecting on your own or sticking to any type of one idea or feeling.

The much less power you spend aiming to withstand or modify your panicky feelings, the minimal the hold your panic could have on you.

4) You could experience a strong impulse to stand up to or battle versus these agonizing as well as frightening emotions, as could be your practice. All of us have an all-natural propensity to strive toward exactly what feels excellent. For this exercise, you are practicing nonstriving: not trying, or otherwise attempting to alter your feelings or change them in a various direction. Just let the sensations be just what they are. The less power you invest aiming to stand up to or modify your panicky feelings, the lesser the hold your panic can have on you.

5) Bear in mind to be knowledgeable about your breathing as well as to link once more with the below as well as now.

With practice, you will certainly pertain to discover just what is driving your sensations and also to allow them run their all-natural training course. Strong emotions can be tough and unrelenting temporarily, yet ultimately they fade as well as you removal on.

Go Further -- Listen to a 30-Minute Guided Meditation for Calming Sensations of Panic

In conscious query you're welcomed to bring nonjudgmental recognition right into any type of panicky emotions or feelings, whether they are related to memories or not, and to totally acknowledge and experience them in your body as well as mind as well as allow them be. You may find that within the panic is a whole wide variety of sensations and also experiences that are causing the agitation or whatever emotion you are really feeling. When you begin to acknowledge exactly what has actually not been recognized, the doorway of understanding can begin to open. By learning how to turn toward your panic, you might experience much more liberty compared to you can have ever imagined.

In conscious query you're invited to bring nonjudgmental awareness right into any type of panicky emotions or sensations, whether they are relevant to memories or otherwise, and to completely recognize and also experience them in your body and also mind and also let them be.

How to do it

In a peaceful place, discover a placement where you could be alert and comfortable, whether seatsed or resting. Transform off your phone and also any various other electrical gadget that can disrupt you. Read as well as practice the manuscript for this guided reflection listed below, stopping after each paragraph. (Note: Prior to beginning this meditation, please take into consideration whether this is the ideal time for you to do it. Do you really feel fairly risk-free as well as open? Otherwise, do some mindful breathing as well as come back to it at afterward.)

1. Congratulate yourself that you are devoting some precious time for meditation.

2. Become aware of your body as well as mind and also whatever you are bring within you. Perhaps there are sensations from the day's events or whatever has been going on lately.

3. May you simply permit and recognize whatever is within you and allow it be, with no form of evaluation.

4. Slowly, move the focus of awareness to the breath, breathing generally and naturally. As you inhale, be conscious of breathing in, and also as you take a breath out, understand taking a breath out.

5. Recognition could be focused at either the tip of the nose or the abdomen, depending upon your choice. If focusing at the tip of the nose, really feel the touch of the air as you take in as well as out ... If concentrating on the abdomen, really feel the stomach expanding on an inhalation and also having on an exhalation.

6. Just living life, one inhalation and one exhalation at a time. Breathing in, breathing out, experiencing each breath showing up and going away. Simply breathing.

7. And also now gently take out recognition from the breath as well as change to mindful query.

8. Conscious inquiry is an investigation into emotions, ideas, as well as physical experiences that are owning your panic, anxiousness, as well as concerns, typically below the surface area of your understanding. There is an unique and special means of doing this practice that can promote the capacity for deep understanding as well as insight.

9. When you practice mindful questions, gently straight your interest into the bodily sensation of panic or fear itself. Enable yourself to bring nonjudgmental understanding into the experience of it, recognizing whatever it seems like in the mind and body and letting it be. To begin this expedition you have to initial sign in with yourself and establish whether it feels risk-free or not. If you do not really feel safe, possibly it is better to wait as well as try an additional time as well as just remain with your breathing for currently.

10. If you are feeling safe, after that bring understanding into the body and also mind and also enable on your own to really feel right into as well as acknowledge any physical experiences, feelings, or ideas and just allow them be ... without attempting to assess or figure them out.

11. You could discover that within these feelings there's a wide variety of thoughts, feelings, or old memories that are sustaining your concerns. When you start to recognize what has not been acknowledged, the pathway of insight and also understanding could emerge. As you transform towards your emotions, they may show you what you are worried, fretted, crazy, depressing, or bewildered about.

12. You could learn that the very resistance to unacknowledged feelings frequently creates even more panic or anxiety as well as that discovering how to select it, as opposed to combating it, commonly reduces them. When we say 'go with it," we indicate that you enable as well as recognize whatever is within the body and mind. Just letting the waves of feelings, thoughts, as well as physical sensations go wherever they have to go similar to the sky makes space for any type of weather.

13. Currently delicately returning to the breath and also bearing in mind breathing in as well as out ... riding the waves of the breath.

14. As you come to the end of this reflection, take a minute to praise yourself and take a moment to appreciate the safety and also alleviate you may be really feeling right currently that you can bring into your day. By recognizing your anxieties, you could open the opportunity for further understanding, empathy, and also tranquility. Prior to you stand up, delicately shake your fingers and also toes as well as slowly open your eyes, being totally present moment.

15. Send out some loving-kindness your way. May I dwell in tranquility. May all beings dwell in peace.

[ani-tsultrim-wangmo]

The perfection of the paramitas in the natural state

Nongrasping is generosity

Nonconfusion is ethical discipline

Nonchanging is patience

Nonstriving is enthusiasm

Nonmeditation is meditation

Nonerring is wisdom

~ Dudjom Lingpa

圓滿波羅蜜多在自然狀態下即是

無執是慷慨

不亂是道德

不變是耐心

無勤是熱情

無修是禪修

無誤是智慧

～敦珠林巴

[mindful-people-community]

The Old School House Schedule Ⓜ️ www.mindfulpeople.community Ⓜ️ #mindful #mindfulness #mindfulnessmeditation #mindfulmeditation #mindfulyoga #mindfulyogatherapy #mindfulyogaliverpol #selfcompassion #kindness #nonjudging #letbe #trust #nonstriving #patience #beginnersmind #acceptance (at Mindful Yoga & Mindful Meditation Liverpool)

[silence-the-barking-monk]

Chögyam Trungpa ~ NOT PLAYING EGO’S GAME

In the practice of meditation, you don’t have to imprison yourself. Instead, you could relate with an expansive situation. Meditation is not based on ego’s idea of “What am I getting out of this?” and “What should I be concentrating on?” As soon as there is that kind of approach, then meditation becomes ego’s game. The term for that is spiritual materialism, “I would like to achieve this, because of that. I would like to concentrate on this because then I should get a greater effect from that.” The potential presented by spiritual materialism is enormously infectious, because it speaks the same language of ego. In contrast, our approach to meditation practice is noncentralizing, nonambitious, and nonstriving.

EXCERPTED FROM “Meditation Related to the Ego,” February 5, 1972, talk two of an unpublished seminar held in Los Angeles, California.

[averymclaren]

Reflections of an IMG

IMG stands for international medical graduate. I can finally say I am one after four fun & tumultuous years. I was awoken by the sound of text notifications at 3am Vancouver time. I groggily checked my phone & saw that my best friends were congratulating each other over results. I bolted out of bed & checked my laptop.

***

Sigh of relief.

***

I’m extremely thankful that I went through it. Ireland has treated me well. Here’s a snapshot of the experiences I had:

Year 1

I moved away from home for the first time going to a country none of my family had ever been to. I had compared the experiences of graduates of Caribbean & Irish schools. Hands down, Ireland sounded like the place for me. I was fortunate to live on campus, rolling out of bed steps away from the medical building. I learned to not judge books by their cover, truly take advice with a grain of salt, to not get groceries delivered, & to venture into nature whenever the sun graced me with its presence. I would have traveled around Ireland more if I was not so paranoid about failing that first year nor finances. I started baking. That first year of long distance seemed like a breeze especially with our travels to London/Paris. 

Year 2

I learned that I could fail things but overall pass, to not worry about finances as much because I’ll be poor anyway, that organizations are still shit regardless if you are with supposedly mature people, & to be more open with friends. I became deeply ingrained in Ireland changing my facebook name to the Irish version & learning all the slang - “What’s the craic? Shtory? Shpin? Manky. Sure look, be grand. Doty little pet.” Visited Berlin with the manfriend. The strain of long distance was starting to hit hard. 

Year 3

I finally started to feel like a doctor. I learned that I am fully capable of cycling 20-30min to work. For half the year, I was full time at a primary health care centre seeing regular patients, writing prescriptions, filling in charts. The other half was spent in hospital working with the most enthusiastic open to teaching intern I had ever met. I did not think I could possibly enjoy hospital tasks as I had always been GP oriented, but I ended up cherishing it. Not to mention, I got to live with down-to-earth humans. I moved the most this year for rotations & electives as well as writing as many board exams as I could. More effective communication rejuvenated long distance. I think I did lose a bit of myself that year because I experienced my first major disappointment.

Year 4

This was the toughest year by far. I think the fatigue & stress of finding a job asap after graduating took a lot out of me. Class ranking was released & matching happened. People changed. The atmosphere was just not as fun anymore. The place I was living was not ideal. I did not get to see my friends as much. I was actually starting to miss home. Those 2 weeks of finals was easier with my two best friends by my side - one egging me on to eat & the other quizzing me in the holding area. I am lucky to have met these 2 gems of human beings. I am lucky to have my man throughout it all ready to chat at the drop of a hat. I am lucky to have a mom that cares too much. Despite all of the hardships that have happened, I can only do my best for myself. Nonstriving for life. Overall, I am lucky. 

[neuroplight]

The new year is right around the corner so here is my annual word vomit of introspection and hope:

There is an Irish proverb that says, “your feet will take you where your heart is.” And so, I started running. And then it got tougher, and I started hiking and climbing. And then the path got easier but I was tired, and there is a lot of walking, and honestly a lot of sitting, but I can’t seem to catch my breath enough to keep going. I have been chasing my heart for a long long time but now I think it’s time for a nonstriving approach. May 2018 be a year of peace. May it be a salve to my old wounds and a soft light to the places that are still dark. May it give me the room to make the choices that are meant for me and give me the energy to see them through.

There are some years that ask questions and there are some years that answer. 2017 asked me what I’m made of. I’m not sure 2018 will be a year of answers, but perhaps it will ask me to find peace. I’ve heard we learn little from peace, but maybe this year, my hope will be a little less frantic and a little more calm, deliberate, and purposeful by seeking the one who made my heart instead of just seeking my heart.