Bridges, Not Barriers
This week we will be leaning into Equanimity – the even-minded and even-hearted attitude we can bring to everyone we encounter. In the formal practice of Equanimity toward Everyone we acknowledge the fundamental truth that each and every one of us yearns to be happy, to be healthy and to live with ease. We may differ in many ways, but at our core we want the same things. Acknowledging our common aims helps us connect with others, so we begin to feel a kinship, and see ourselves as part of the tribe of Humanity. Walls shrink, boundaries erode, gates open. We can feel supportive of, and supported by all those around us.
With the strength we build in our formal practice, we can begin to make changes in our engaged life, starting with identifying areas where we see differences and where we treat people differently based on those differences.
This week as we practice being even-minded and even-hearted, perhaps we can pay particular attention to what arises within us when we encounter people with different views. Maybe we can acknowledge any judgment and assumptions that we notice arising, and then balance them with curiosity. What might I be missing? How does this person arrive at their opinions? What needs of theirs are they trying to meet? Is there a way we can work together to meet all of our needs? Maybe we can even go out of our way this week to seek out someone whose views we know differ from ours and engage them in dialogue, building bridges of curiosity and care, rather than erecting walls of judgment. What might we learn in the process?
May all beings everywhere, without exception, feel connected and supported,
Your friends at CMP
About CMP
CMP thrives on donations. All of our weekly sessions are free and open to the public, but donations are essential to our sustainability. CMP is a licensed charity in the state of CT as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Checks, cash and credit cards are accepted and donations are tax deductible. Visit our website (www.CommunityMindfulnessProject.org) to donate by credit card. Checks can be given to facilitators at our weekly sits or mailed to Community Mindfulness Project, P.O. Box 1713, New Canaan, CT 06840.
(The placard outside the United Methodist Church of New Canaan this past week. How wonderful to think of all the people who saw this message as they passed by and how it might have been internalized.)