
Uncertainty & Taking Refuge:
For many of us, the current conditions of the United States can feel uncertain, unsettled and even bring up fears of what will come in the future. I too find myself caught up in the what-if’s of the future and it can feel like the weight of it all is crushing.
Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us to learn to seek refuge in self, in the peaceful core we all have.
“Practice taking refuge in the island of the Dharma. Know how to take refuge in the Dharma, and do not take refuge in any other island or person. This means to practice dwelling in the contemplation of the body in the body. Using the exercises diligently to nourish Right Understanding and Right Mindfulness to master and transform craving and anxiety that belong to the world. Contemplate the body outside the body, Using the exercises diligently to nourish Right Understanding and Right Mindfulness to master and transform craving and anxiety that belong to the world. That is what is meant by returning to the island of oneself in order to take refuge in the island of oneself. Returning to the island of the Right Dharma in order to take refuge in the island of the Right Dharma and not taking refuge in any other island or any other thing.”
The island of Dharma is within us all. Practicing daily is a good way to tap into this center when you need it most. The practice of coming back to your center by way of breath is a great way to implement returning to your island of Dharma whenever you need it. As the seas of life rage on, we have the ability to find calm in the eye of the storm by leaning into self. When we tend to our needs, when we take the time and energy to go within and calm our nervous systems, this is the way to better have control of the direction of our sails.
The challenges in life, the pain and suffering are parts of our human conditions and no amount of inner work or enlightenment will eliminate the suffering of life. There is no way to elimate all the suffering in the world, nor in ourselfs. However, we can learn to ride the waves with a little more ease and reduce the feelings of dread and misery. When we are able to find this place of stillness we can become useful and helpful to those who need it most in times of crisis and need. We can stand up for injustice in a calm and rational way, united by love.
When we move to a place of acceptance, we can move forward with less fear, with less anxiety of what is to come because we know we have the ability to withstand any storm by returning to that inner island of Dharma.
And that skill of mindful awareness is something no one can ever take from you.
If you needing community, please do attend a commuity session! (many are free or donation based. please reach out to me if you see a session you feel called to but cost is an obstacle for you)
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