Do The Work

Let's begin by finding a way to sit in your chair or cushion where you can be both relaxed and alert.

Finding a way where you can be comfortable and at the same time where there's some energy in the body.

Choosing how you place your feet,

How you place your hands,

Maybe arching the back just a little bit to put some energy in the body.

Relaxing the muscles in your face.

Right now,

Are you doing anything extra,

Any unnecessary holding,

Tightening,

Any extra thoughts or feelings?

This is the practice of doing the work.

Noticing,

Experiencing,

Moving from effort to effortlessness.

Just being you,

Aware,

Open,

Curious,

Light,

Firm,

Clear.

See if you can bring attention to your body.

Just noticing what is it like to be sitting here right now without trying to change anything.

Just notice.

In this moment,

This is the work.

Letting go of ideas of right and wrong.

The work of cultivating awareness,

Letting go of extra effort,

Exploring greater effortlessness,

Just being true to yourself.

The work of connecting with yourself,

Connecting with others,

Supporting everyone and everything.

The Dalai Lama once said,

My true religion is kindness.

See if you can extend kindness to yourself,

To your aspirations,

To your pain,

To your struggles,

To your calmness and equanimity.

Just practice kindness and curiosity.

This is the work and doing the work.