Change is Coming
Good morning and Happy Monday!
Despite my intention to write to you from other points in the week, this morning I am diving in fresh, a practice that I still relish. I enjoy the feeling of being in the moment of change and attempting to “surf” all the sensations, perceptions and thoughts that are arising. I also especially enjoy this type of practice at the change points of the day, and the year. This week we are approaching the equinox, the point in the changes of the year when the sun crosses the equator and the days and nights are relatively of equal length. It is a moment when things might appear more still, almost suspended even for the few days surrounding the apex of the sun’s trajectory. A good moment to hang, stand, stop, be steady, emulating the equanimity of the days and nights.
Recently in a discussion following a loving-kindness meditation*, we talked about the notion of equanimity, about the fact that it is not equivalent to acceptance or neutrality and that it doesn’t require enthusiasm or welcoming in practice. Equanimity is like sunlight, rain or wind, it carries on without preference for one experience over another. Equanimity is more than neutral because it lands in the situation as a kind of soothing balm, a kind of space for all things. And it is not acceptance as it does not require anyone’s consent. Nor does it require enthusiasm, excitement or a welcome to dawn easily into any situation.
I am contemplating equanimity* as the weather where I am approaches perfection and I am preparing to enter into a series contemplating death and impermanence with others. Contemplating change can be very provocative, even when the change is welcome, anticipated or easy. Equanimity is not required to contemplate change but it does help. Fact is, everything changes, nothing stays the same. This the key phrase from the opening meditation of the program. The series of contemplations for this program is based on a pithy teaching from the 14th century Kadampa tradition of Tibetan Buddhist practice. Teachings like these get right to the point; things will change and you are going to die.
Everything around us here in the northern hemisphere will be on its deathbed soon. On the day of the equinox I will meditating, contemplating change. You are welcome to join me. Meanwhile, I am preparing by soaking in the sun and glorying in the profusion of green with the red and yellow of Fall stepping in. I am laying on the ground and listening for my own heartbeat. I am walking barefoot in the grass.
I hear change coming.
*These are short guided meditations with me on equanimity and loving-kindness posted on YouTube.