A Given, Maybe a Gift

The other evening we heard the story of Dominic Haynes, an 18-year old whose promising track career was cut short by a hamstring injury.  After it happened, Dominic realized that the loss of his athletic pursuits meant time had opened up to pursue his other passion:  music.  Dominic just made it through the first round on The Voice (see here for his soulful cover of “River”).  It’s hard to tell oneself or someone else that an injury, or the need to give up what you’ve worked years to achieve, is a gift, but in the moment, to hear Dominic describe it, he saw it as a given.  When we allow ourselves to see the reality of the present moment, we open ourselves up to clearly see all the possibilities that future moments hold.  Conversely, when we fight the reality of the present moment, we close ourselves off from seeing the potential reality of future moments.  

This week we build our capacity to face each moment with equanimity, a even-minded and even-hearted attitude toward whatever arises in life.  We learn to see givens as givens, and in doing so, we leave room for them to blossom into gifts.

In addition to our regular community sits this week we hope you can join us at the New Canaan Library on Tuesday 3/5 at 6:30 PM for a Mindful Listening + Speaking workshop!!  Click here for more info and to register.

May all beings, without exception, feel the peace of clear-seeing in the present moment,

Your friends at CMP

Guided Meditation Recordings:  

Click here for an Equanimity Guided Meditation, or see our Resources page.