“The goal of mindfulness practice is to become aware that craving, anger, sleepiness, restlessness or doubt is present in the mind when they arise. The movement from being in a mind state and being aware that a mind state is present is the holy grail of mindfulness practice.” -Sam Trumbore
What are you aware of that is keeping you from being fully present to life today?
If grace is unearned, why does it sometimes feel like it’s a lot of work to come by? Christianity itself split over a disagreement between whether grace or work was more important for salvation. What we do in the world–how we act out our deepest values is undeniably important.
How do you find grace through what you do in the world?
Self-reflection is an important tool in the spiritual toolbox. We can cultivate the ability to honestly witness our own being, to atone for our mistakes, and also to see our own gifts and beauty.
Take some time today to look inside. To experience your inner beauty, to feel the spark of the divine within you. Give yourself the grace of a loving witness.
Many religious traditions incorporate fast days–days on which one refrains from eating for a specified period, or periods during which one refrains from eating certain foods. These fast days are often meant to make the participants pay attention to the sacred in a different way than in their everyday lives. During Ramadan, Muslims fast daily from sunrise to sunset in order to foster gratitude and remind them of those who go without regularly.
How is grace expressed through your physical being today? How might you incorporate a period of fasting to remind you of your relationship with the sacred?
Is it possible to make room for spiritual practice, to be closer to the sacred? Are you able to carve out more than one hour a day, as Muslims are asked to do throughout Ramadan?
If yes, reflect on the privilege of this. If not, what are ways others can support you to have this happen?
