Dear Wise Women,
Today we continued our exploration of presence through a discussion about hope and fear (which are often two sides of the same coin). The readings I chose pointed to the power of the simple yet profoundly difficult practice of leaning into our discomforts rather than reacting to them, pushing them away or placating them. Leaning into our discomforts requires us to first and foremost observe and witness our thoughts and emotions (rather than believing them), and to do so from a place of gentle and neutral compassion. Only then does the space arise for the energy of the thought and emotion to move and for a natural and healthy response to emerge.
Our circle of presence beautifully touched on the many nuances of these teachings and the continuous cycle of life, death and endless uncertainty. As always, I am deeply grateful for your sharings.
The Wisdom of No Escape