Brad4d Savasana

Each moment has a beautiful teaching. It can be difficult to find if we’re focused too much on a destination or too mired in our problems. The present moment can give us a new perspective if we are open to it.

In a world that thrives on conflict, we could easily get swallowed whole. Rather than participate in it, we can transcend it by calling on Shekinah, the dwelling of God.

We like to hurry through life, rushing certain moments in anticipation of a desired event. But what do we miss along this path? Hermann Hesse tells us to make room for the blossoms of life.

Conflicts might be resolved through laws or social norms, but they don’t resolve the conflict within. The Dalai Lama called for a spiritual revolution in his 1999 book, “Ethics for a New Millennium.” He describes the necessity of transcending our self-centered nature to live in peace with others.

Our anger can be like a wild horse driving our chariot. We allow our anger to seize control, and we say or do things out of our hot state. But peace doesn’t result. It only facilitates more unhealthy expressions of anger. We have the power to choose differently.

The result of self-help is not to stay in the level of self, but to do your part in healing the world. Although so many in society are just getting by in a level of unawareness, you can join the critical mass in making the world a better place.

Responding to anger with anger never brings about peace. Instead, we can use the anger within to transform a situation and bring about peace.

We might be tempted to act out in our times of sorrow and grief, allowing them to turn to rage. But John 11:35, the shortest passage in the Bible, says, “Jesus wept.” Although he could have performed his miracle at the moment he heard about the death of his friend, he allowed himself to grieve. This showed the humanity of Jesus that exists in all of us. Sometimes the best response when others are...

When the world appears in a state of conflict, it can immobilize us. But we can change the world one act at a time. This quote has been attributed to St. Francis: “ start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, then you find yourself doing the impossible.“ You can do one act of kindness, compassion or peace today.

In a time where the world is so wounded, it’s of utmost importance for us to seek spiritual connection. Rather than contribute to the anger and sorrow, we can contribute to the healing.

We might experience a great “high” in some relationships, but we have to be careful not to become addicted to them. The “high” is not the relationship, and the relationship hasn’t soured if we don’t experience it. Instead, it might be drawing us deeper.

Our guilty pleasures can easily take over our lives, and eventually our joy. By examining what doesn’t serve, we can use our energy for things that serve the greater good.

Rather than doing what we can to avoid suffering, why not investigate what it can teach us? With a little curiosity and mindfulness, we can practice sitting with suffering, knowing that we are never suffering alone.

If you wake up early enough and open your window, the birds will sing you a beautiful song. We often can't hear them after the rest of the world wakes up. Listening to the birds is a great teaching of mindfulness and simplicity. It is there for us every day.

Many of us cry “freedom” in exercising behaviors that bring harm to ourselves or others. This is not wise. Self-control gives us pause and brings forth wiser choices.

We get stuck in patterns and relationships that hold us back from evolving. If we reflect on how we have moved on from the past, we can use this energy to break free.

The tension we might be feeling during lockdown awakens our need to belong. Rather than allow this need to fester, recognize that by letting go of our needs and attachments, we find a deep connection to all.

Our attachments can send us into destructive patterns if we don’t recognize them before they take root. The Bhagavad Gita tells us that the chase can result in clouding our ability to make wise choices.

As we grow anxious in waiting for our lives to be restored to “normal,” we are called to practice patience. Though difficult, practicing patience sustains us through trying times and prepares our hearts for joy. This passage is from Henri Nouwen.

As our society comes under more stress, it’s important to ask ourselves if we want to add to the problem or become part of the solution.

Many believe that God is “out there” or “up there.” God is omnipresent, so God can be experienced in the present moment. It’s a matter of surrendering our hearts and expectations of where God “should” be.

If we don’t walk in awareness, it’s easy to become reactive about our environment. We make ourselves victims rather than co-creators of our experience. But if we look objectively at what is going on, we recognize where our actions contribute to a sometimes unpleasant result. Our noticing is the first step to change.

Many of us are growing especially anxious, especially if we’re still required to stay home. Instead of bringing instant gratification to our suffering, can we allow it to teach us? Pema Chödrön’s book, “Comfortable with Uncertainty,” teaches us about a loneliness that can purify.

Meditation won’t solve our problems, but it can help us reach a place in our lives where we can live beyond the drama.

We often get weighed down with trials in our lives. Hesse says love is always present and possible if we look within to our ultimate calling of light and spirit.