Artwork: Michael Dean
Good morning everyone,
I usually call you beautiful people because I do believe that at our core, we all are beautiful, but today it feels kind of cheesy to say so… so let’s try something else, and see what stays.
I do hope though that you are safe and healthy, wherever you are in the world.
This week I read a quote by psychologist, author and mindfulness pioneer, Jack Kornfield who said the following: “So, how can you live in love rather than in fear? The first step, I am sorry to say, is to love your fear. There’ s a way in which you actually have to bow to the fear and say, ‘ I know you. You too are part of this humanity.’”
“ When fear arises, whether it’s fear of pain, fear of certain emotions, or fear of death, having a meditation practice invites us to explore and understand fear itself. What does it feel like, what are the sensations in the body? Where are they located?”
“ We can look closely to see what we call fear, to understand it’s true nature. When we do so, we see that fear is also a passing conditioned experience, and then it becomes much more workable. “
“ When fear arises, experience what it does to the breath, to the body, how it affect the heart. Notice how long it lasts. Notice the ideas that comes along with it. The scary stories it usually tells.”
“ Fear is often an anticipation for the future, an imagination, often unfounded.” It seems that it is with the heart and open eyes, that we can face fear or choose to step away from it.”
Either way, fear seems to be the elephant in the room always worth acknowledging.
So my wish for us all today, is that we feel it, name it, and walk through it.
Please don’t hesitate to forward this email to whoever might feel the need for it.
With love and deep respect
Vanessa
