Welcome to this glorious Friday, October 9, 2020! This is a day that will never come again. I wonder what’s going to happen?
If ever there was a time to think about uncertainty, it would be now.
We have a tendency to create a lot of unnecessary suffering when we try to make the uncertain, certain. Even though we’ve never had the ability in the past, we still often obsess about what’s going to happen. Despite the fact that we have made it through all the previous uncertain events that life naturally throws at us, we still don’t trust a future that is unpredictable. We want assurance that everything is going to be OK. There is no such assurance, and, we don’t need it.
I love this quote and it gets straight to the point:
“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope.” Thomas Merton
Embracing change has been one of the more difficult aspects of my Mindfulness practice. Nevertheless, when I allow for and even welcome uncertainty and change, which is going to happen whether I like it or not, I’m offered opportunities for growth and I suffer less. Moreover, when I let go of my opinions of what I think “should be” happening, I further free myself. Yes, of course, I still get scared meow and then when I think about the escalating political divisiveness, social unrest, COVID-19 and the climate crisis. But if I examine where my feet are, in this moment; if I take an accurate assessment of my current situation, I invariably find that I really am OK.
Despite knowing that I’m OK, my mind still has the propensity to convince me that it is time to panic.
Being an imperfect human, I don’t always trust the flux. My mindfulness practice, however, helps me to walk through this uncertainty with less stress, worry and concern. When I experience this panicky fear, I reflect on all my past struggles, all the pain that I’ve endured, and all the change I’ve withstood. In one sense or another, I find that I’ve always been, OK. Why would moving forward into the unknown be any different? And as Tai Sheridan suggests, “Relax, you’re going to die.”
Sending you love from my hotel room in beautiful Colorado.
Below are three nourishing Mindfulness opportunities that will help you to navigate all this uncertainty:
Mini Mindfulness Booster
In addition to our regular Thursday evening meditation group, beginning at 7:00 PM (PST) on Sunday, November 7th, I will offer monthly Mini Mindfulness Booster webinars. These sessions are 90 minutes and will include a guided meditation, a structured discussion, and an exploration of skills and practices designed to support your mindful life. Though donations are accepted with gratitude, these mini workshops are offered for fun and for free. These Booster sessions are specifically designed for people who have previously attended courses in Mindfulness.
Refresher Course
Beginning October 21st, I am facilitating two, six-week “Four Keys of Living Mindfully” courses. One session meets on Wednesday evenings and the other on Saturday mornings. This unique course offers both online instruction and live facilitation. The financial investment for this opportunity is $150 for new participants and $85 for those of you who have taken other courses from me in the past. You can read more about it and register for this inspirational course here: www.turningleaffoundation.com/mindfulness
Mindfulness-Based Coaching and Mentoring
Lastly, I invite you to consider personalized Mindfulness-based Coaching/Mentoring. As a Certified Life-Coach, I am committed to support personal development which can lead to a rewarding life imbued with resilience, meaning, joy, and a deep, nourishing sense of well-being. Whether you would like to reduce stress and tension in your life or have an aspiration to exceed your preconceived potential, I can confidently assist you to create the very best version of yourself possible. I utilize compassionate coaching strategies built on a foundation of Mindfulness which will help you to identify and overcome the obstacles that create suffering and limit your growth. We really have no idea what our potential is. Let’s continue grow together and make the world a better place. Sign up for a free introductory session. www.turningleaffoundation.com/coaching
I love you and there isn’t anything you can do about it,
Dan
Contribute to the Turning Leaf Foundation
If you would like to help bring Mindfulness to the less fortunate and to help pay for current services, your generosity is deeply appreciated.
