Day 10: In the Midst of Winter

 

In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. -Albert Camus

The entire quotation goes like this:

He said, "In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, and invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that in the midst of winter, I found there was, within me an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger - something better, pushing right back."

I could not think of a more appropriate message for today, considering all we are going through. It is attributed to Camus, but there is some debate about that. But there is no debate, that the message is hopeful and possible.

How do we find that place within us? Meditation.

Meditation, staying present and gently turning toward difficulty, changes the brain and softens our response to pain and difficulty. It seems counter intuitive since we are psychologically wired to avoid pain and discomfort but the research is clear. Kelly McGonigal, a Stanford psychologist, says that embracing stress, is more important than reducing stress. Let's give it a go.

1. Sit. Feet on the floor. Feel your bottom on the chair. Feel your body breathing. Not forcing anything, simply allowing your body to breath itself.

2. Expand your awareness to the rest of your body. Gently bring to awareness what ever it is that is disturbing your peace or causing pain. Notice sensations. What's happening in your body? Keep in simple, feel it, don't try to figure it out...aching...tightness...churning. There may be a physical or emotional tone to your experience. Gently allow it to be felt.

3. Notice if there are impulses to resist or pull away. Name that as "resistance". Simply witness. No judgement. No need to figure it out.

4. Experiment with opening further to the discomfort on the in-breath, letting go and softening on the out-breath. Keep noticing what's happening in your body. Has the pain or discomfort changed? If the experience becomes too intense or uncomfortable, step back from it slightly and focus on the breath. Then move closer again.

5. Continue as long as you can without becoming overwhelmed. The idea is to start building resilience with difficulty, not to cause suffering. "No pain, no gain" does not apply here. We want to learn how to be with our discomfort, in gentle increments, and to make ourselves difficulty proof, as a friend of mine would say. This doesn't make us stupid, and it doesn't take the difficulty away, but it does change our relationship to it.

You are strong, courageous and amazing. Committing to this practice will support your well-being and the well being of our world.

Be well Keep going!