Toward the end of chapter 19 of Pema Chodren’s book “When Things Fall Apart” she asks, “couldn’t we just lighten up?”
Yes!
I regularly need to be reminded to lighten up. I take myself and the things that arise in my life way too seriously most of the time. On top of that, lightening up helps to act as a bit of a reset button for my overall mental attitude. If I am down and not really conscious of it, doing something to intentionally change the channel, as I like to say, can help.
In this chapter, Pema provides four methods for dealing with chaos. They are:
- stop struggling,
- use poison as medicine (explained below),
- and the third one, regard everything that arises as the manifestation of wisdom.
- And as I said, she finishes the chapter by encouraging us to relax and lighten up which puts a smile on my face.
Each method can help deliver you from chaos. For around a year now, I have been meditatively practicing all four methods in a row when I sense that I am struggling, or my life is getting a little chaotic.
First, I gently remind myself that I am “thinking” and I shift my focus to my breath (stop struggling).
Second, I breathe in the poison of the given situation which may be feelings of craving or addiction, aggression, or wanting to shut down and just avoid difficulty. As Pema suggests, I breathe out healing and freedom for all who may be dealing with the same poison I’m dealing with.
Third, I remind myself that everything that arises is the manifestation of wisdom, that everything is sacred, and that I am awake.
And finally, with a bit of a smile, I remind myself to relax and lighten up.
I am finding it is a great method to help hit the reset button and to make peace with what is.
Based on chapter 19 “When Things Fall Apart” by Pema Chodron.
Take good care,
Rod
For more see Hints of Gladness
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