by Annie Nugent
When we are faced with the challenge of bringing the practice into our everyday lives on a moment-to-moment basis, it can seem like a daunting task. Out of this we may become despondent and feel that it is just too much to ask of ourselves and slowly our good intentions about practice begin to recede into the background as we become seduced by worldly distractions, relegating our practice to a period of formal sitting some time in the day. While this is an important part of the practice, it is only a part. What about the rest of the day?
Rather than limiting the practice to some special period of time on the cushion, can we learn to see everyone and everything as an opportunity for wisdom and compassion to grow?
For example: whilst driving our car is there aversion to other drivers or are we perhaps day dreaming? When talking with others are we judging or wanting something from them or when preparing the evening meal are we rushing, leaning in to the moment?
In the midst of these very ordinary, worldly situations can we notice what is happening in the mind, how we are relating to the moment?
Of course, this is easier said than done. It takes time – the patient, sincere willingness to begin with a gentle but determined encouragement to be aware of what is happening in the mind in any given moment.
We begin with just one small moment of recognition of the attitude of mind.... that is all – nothing grandiose like being aware “for the whole day”. One moment is perfectly do-able... and one moment of awareness begets another.
This is the way we work with the mind. Slowly and repeatedly throughout the
day looking to see what our attitude of mind is in any moment.
In this way we can see that there is nothing special we have to do to alter our day. We don’t have to change anything…. no special movements – only watching how the mind is operating. Once we begin to see the tendencies of mind showing themselves, we understand that we don’t need to act out that unkind action (hatred), or that action of greed, or continually be lost in day dreams (delusion). Consequently, our attitude of mind slowly begins to shift from living out the defilements of greed, hatred and delusion towards living from a place of generosity of heart, kindness and compassion of heart and wisdom.
There is a certain joy that comes into our lives when we realize the scope of the dharma.... that it doesn't narrow or limit our lives, but that it brings a growing ease of mind and an expansiveness into life as wisdom and compassion is cultivated in the midst of the fullness and vibrancy of daily life in each moment… it is up to us to use them as food for freedom.
Annie Nugent was a resident teacher at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA from 1999 to 2003. She has been part of the teaching team for the annual Three-Month Retreat for a number of years and has taught at the Forest Refuge since 2004. She will be teaching a retreat March 20 – 25, 2024 at Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis.