Where are you right now?
We might start with where the body is in space - the points of contact with the floor or chair, the position relative to the environment around us.
Then we could notice where the mind is - perhaps busy thinking, tired, anxious, or quietly following sensation.
We might then reflect more broadly: Where am I in my life? In my journey with creativity? In my relationship to the world around me?
Being present to where we are may be challenging - particularly if we don't like what we find. We may fixate on particular difficulties, closing off to other aspects of experience like connections to friends or nature. We may avoid what's here altogether, retreating into hopes and worries for the future, fantasies of an alternative present, or reminiscences and regrets about the past. It's natural to cope with difficulty in this way - it may even be helpful in the short term - but as you know, life happens in the present moment. So how can we meet ourselves here, where we are?
From what I've witnessed, it can take great courage and kindness to be present to our full experience. To acknowledge what's here right now - whether welcome or unwelcome - and to allow it to be just the way it is. This is the way things are in this moment. As we accept and release this moment, we may find the possibility of something new.
In our October Mindfulness & Creativity drop-in, we'll practice meditation and gently reflect on where we are, inviting non-judgement and loving-kindness with ourselves. We'll hear from you - what you're experiencing and working with in your life and creative practice - together, offering each other the support of our presence, meeting ourselves exactly where we are.
"Metta (loving-kindness) then, is this sense of being at home, of allowing, of accepting and being patient with what you don’t like and don’t want, of allowing what you find irritating, disgusting and revolting, whatever. It is a question of learning not to get lost in reactions, but rather to be patient and accepting, to welcome even the dark side of your experience. That takes patience, doesn’t it? For me at least it does, because emotionally I am conditioned to trying to push things away, trying to get rid of them. Patient acceptance is also about welcoming the good side, but in a way that does not demand it. When happiness is present, welcome it, allow it to rise. But also allow it to cease. To be able to do this takes attentiveness, takes this … still point, this sense of pure presence which includes all that ‘is’ right now." - Ajahn Sumedho
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