It is our nature to avoid discomfort and seek comfort or pleasurable experiences.
This is our natural predisposition.
We're wired this way.
The problem is that much of our discomfort is unavoidable.
Our body attempts to repress this discomfort by tightening up around it,
And as a result,
We end up with anxiety or habitual tension,
Only leading to more discomfort.
The key to transforming our experience,
To finding ease and relaxation in any and all circumstances,
Is through the practice of equanimity.
We actually welcome the discomfort instead of resisting it.
While this may at first bring up more discomfort,
As we practice being with the sensations of discomfort,
We find that although we may feel our experience with more clarity,
The pain and difficulty of our experience subsides.
We are eventually able to remain relaxed and composed in situations that were previously distressing,
And we find a deeper sense of well-being in every aspect of our lives.
Today,
We will be working with whatever discomfort is present with us right now,
Even if the experience is subtle.
Start with a few breaths,
Breathing into the belly fully,
Yet gently,
Allowing your spine to feel long.
And on the exhale,
Relax.
Release whatever tension you can.
Now scan your body to find any sensations of tension or discomfort.
The sensations may be obvious,
Or they may be subtle.
When you find some discomfort or tension,
Be curious about the sensations of it.
See if you can zoom in and feel the subtle sensations or texture of this discomfort.
Where do these sensations feel centered?
How far are they reaching out?
Notice the space in which these sensations occur.
Is there a vibratory quality,
Or do they feel solid?
Is there a texture to these feelings?
Continue breathing gently.
Continue relaxing as you explore these sensations of tension or discomfort.
Be curious about these feelings,
Really examining the sensations in detail,
Bringing them more into clarity.
Feel the sensations with an open curiosity,
As if you're feeling them for the first time.
See if you can let go of the ideas of good or bad,
Comfortable or uncomfortable,
And just feel into the sensations for what they are.
See if you can really welcome these sensations.
We often treat discomfort as a threat,
Something we reject or push away.
But see if you can welcome these sensations.
Welcome them as if they're a dear friend.
Welcome them with warmth and care.
You can even allow the sensations to expand,
To get bigger.
We normally try to make uncomfortable experiences smaller.
We contract around them,
But that only makes them more stuck.
See what happens when you relax and allow these sensations to naturally and gently expand.
Do your best to stay with these feelings,
Tracking them,
Noticing any change.
Notice what parts stay the same and what parts are changing.
Continue to breathe gently,
Relaxing around these feelings,
Just letting them be as they are.
Imagine your body open and clear,
And all of these feelings and sensations move through your body,
Unobstructed,
Staying present,
Staying relaxed,
Staying open.
Allow these feelings to move or dance through your body,
Unobstructed.
Allow everything to be as it is.
Tune in to the natural expansiveness of your being.
The more you relax and let go and let things be as they are,
The more you can notice this natural expansiveness and just resting in this natural openness.
Thank you for your practice.
