This weekend, I had the privilege of attending Edmonton Insight Meditation's annual silent retreat with Howard Cohn. It was a beautiful weekend of community practice - with its after-effects reverberating into the week. After two days of meditation, my mind is quieter. There's an inner spaciousness and receptivity to the world around me. I feel inspired to be here. Seeing the fruits of my practice, I'm motivated to continue.
It has me thinking. What sustains a mindfulness practice? What inspires, motivates, encourages us to turn towards our present-moment experience? Most of us can't attend a silent retreat every week, so we need other ways to nourish and fuel our practice.
I wonder - what have you discovered? What supports your mindfulness practice? What conditions support ease and willingness to be awake to your experience?
For many of us, consistency is helpful. A regular practice can turn mindfulness into a habit, like a morning cup of coffee. We don't need to doubt or overthink it. We just practice (even just for a few minutes). And if we miss it, we'll likely notice that it's missing - reminding us of its value and impact.
But, of course, consistency isn't easy. I know for myself, daily practice can grow dull. I can feel resistance, disinterest, discomfort. Other commitments - and more exciting doings - can draw me away. So how do we keep the flame lit?
One way is by remembering we don't have to do it alone.
In the retreat this weekend, Howard Cohn compared a meditation community to a flock of geese. By flying in formation, geese are carried on the updraft of those in front of them. If one goose falls out of formation, it faces wind resistance, and swiftly returns to the comparative ease of the group. Together, they can cover 71% more ground than one goose flying alone. The lesson: why work so hard when we can rest in the support of community?
In our next Mindfulness & Creativity session, we'll come together to further explore how to support our mindfulness practice. Feel free to experiment! You might bring supportive pillows and props, or set aside "serious" practice to add a touch of lightness - like sitting beside a teddy bear. We'll consider, too, possible parallels between supporting our mindfulness practice and supporting our creative practice. What conditions nourish and fuel your creativity?
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Hannah
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