I've posted about Sharon Salzberg's book, "Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection," before however I never went into detail. My favorite genre of books is currently self help or self improvement. I love reading other's inspiring words in hopes that I pull something from it and can apply it to my life and share with others or my students.
As I was about to start writing today's post, a friend shared on her Insta Story the quote, "we are all just walking each other home," and that's why I love when authors go out of their way to share vulnerable and raw stories on how they got from point A to point B. The journey isn't easy, but it's always worth it, and when we realize we're all in this together, it feels so natural to share our experiences.
The first time I read Sharon's book I walked away with different lessons than one's I'm hearing this second time around. One that particularly stuck out at me was the quote above. This was in her chapter regarding expectations, trying to change people, not loving people for who they are, and not quite yet grasping the idea that only we can make ourselves as happy or as miserable as we want to be, no one else has the power to do so. In this chapter she also speaks a lot about equanimity, or what yogini's refer to as UPEKKHA. Being rooted in insight or having an unshakeable balance of mind or thought. Neutrality.
I'm currently circling back to an old "lesson," if you will. Something that has been in my life, on and off again for 13 years. With new awareness I have the ability to remain equanimous. In the past I would react to every word, every action, every situation. Over think. Pull apart. Belittle. Judge. Now, while there is no such thing as perfection, I can step back and observe what's happening rather than attach to it. Conversely, now i feel comfort, trust and gratitude, all feelings I would NEVER EVER imagine I would have felt 10 years ago, if you were to ask me. Acceptance is a hard pill to swallow, but I believe that when we honor everything in our lives for WHAT ACTUALLY IS, rather than what we wish it to be, there is so much freedom, joy and pleasure.
I'm also learning the only way for me to accomplish work like this is to be completely present tense. If I think of this situation in the future at all I feel everything spiral, but when I see or honor the reality of it, I'm filled with that good good.
So, let your ducks be ducks and your chickens be chickens, and watch how things change. Watch how you and your thoughts change. Life feels a lot better when you focus on your reaction to situations, your thoughts around them, rather then what others are or are not "doing for you." Try it!! Love you so much, LP.
