Sometimes struggle just plain sucks. But looked at another way, struggle can be used as fuel to propel you into a better place (and that’s putting it mildly). The essence of this process involves three steps:
- notice what you notice–and then give yourself a break! (a.k.a. notice with compassion and nonjudgment)
- feel what you feel…and feel it physically, in your body
- question your thoughts (not the same as “change your thinking”)
In upcoming posts, I’ll share real life examples of how this process translates into practical life stuff like losing that weight you’ve been hanging onto for years, finding fulfilling work, or writing that book you’ve been dreaming about. And for now, I’ll leave you with this Thich Nhat Hanh quote I found through Ocean Earth Wind Fire, a yoga studio where I teach. If you live in the Philadelphia area, I’d highly recommend checking it out.
If you feel irritation or depression or despair, recognize their presence and practice this mantra: “Dear one, I am here for you.” You should talk to your depression or your anger just as you would to a child. You embrace it tenderly with he energy of mindfulness and say, “Dear one, I know you are there and I am going to take care of you,” just as you would with your crying baby. There is no discrimination or dualism here, because compassion and love are you, but anger is too. All three are organic in nature, so you don’t need to be afraid.
You can transform them.
Let me repeat: In the practice of Buddhist meditation, we do not turn ourselves into a battle field of good versus evil. The good must take care of the evil as a big brother takes care of his little brother or as a big sister takes care of her little sister–with a great deal of tenderness, in a spirit of nonduality. Knowing that, there is a lot of peace in you already. The insight of nonduality will put a stop to the war in you. You have struggled in the past, and perhaps you are still struggling; but is it necessary? No. Struggle is useless. Stop struggling.
you are here Thich Nhat Hanh
