Rest Your Exhausted Mind

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished" 

Lao Tzu

Two weeks ago, we hosted a work retreat here at the Refuge. The apple trees were in full bloom; it was an exceptionally stunning weekend. We worked hard together in the morning, and in the afternoon people lay in the grass under the clear and deep blue sky. There was crying and singing, laughter and hard moments too. Tiger the cat tried to sneak outside into the evening while the yogis rested in their beds. It was life, messy and beautiful.

 Leading up to the retreat I kept having to remind myself to let go and to make my way deliberately, like a snail. The pattern of perfectionism is deep in me. We could also call this a dis-ease of reflexive optimization, where the mind is never satisfied with the merit and complexity of what is here. There are so many messages of productivity and improvement that block our ability to relax and live fully. 

 One of my favorite meditation phrases is "rest your exhausted mind." This instruction doesn't mean we stop making an effort to be present. It invites me and you, us, to relax as we go. To let go of the belief that our efforts, our very selves are not enough. 

"One thing at a time

Letting Go

One thing at a time

Letting Go"