This Is A Moment Of Suffering

Welcome to this practice of acknowledging a moment of suffering. When we notice that we are suffering in any way, we can acknowledge it and give it space to be what it is. To do that, we go through these helpful steps: 1) pause, 2) ground, 3) acknowledge, 4) tune in to, 5) allow, 6) appreciate. May this meditation support you and bring you ease and well-being.

Transcript

Welcome to this practice of acknowledging a moment of suffering. This practice can be done on the go. Look out for moments of suffering. This can be anything from missing the bus to getting into an argument with a friend. To the death of a loved one. You can also do this practice in the context of a meditation anytime you become aware of suffering. Whatever the situation, You can simply acknowledge that this is a moment of suffering and give yourself the space to simply be with it as it is. Here are some helpful steps to follow. So firstly, Just pausing. If it's possible, Just stop whatever you're doing for a minute or two. And sit or lie down. Practice taking three deep breaths or as many that feel supportive for you right now. The second step is to ground. Bring awareness to the places where your body is in touch with the earth. Particularly through the feet, Legs, And buttocks. Take some time to feel the sensations here, Like pressure, Warmth. Tingling numbness, Softness. Through these sensations. Connect with the solidity of the ground. And the qualities it so generously offers us, Like stillness, Support. Holding. Spaciousness. Anchoring. Spend as much time here as you need to. The third step is to acknowledge what's happening. Gently remind yourself that this is a moment of suffering. You can also use self-touch to support this acknowledgement through placing a hand on your heart, Belly, Or anywhere else that's wanting some attention just now. The fourth step is to take some time to simply notice how the suffering feels. Tuning into the sensations in the body, Any thoughts and emotions that might be here, Images, Memories, Impulses, Urges. How the energy is just now. What can you notice? And can you create a warm hospitable environment for whatever's here to be here just as it is? The fifth step is to allow what's here. Using the breath as an anchor, Simply allowing all of what's here, The sensations, Thoughts, Emotions, And so on, To be here as it is, Just as it is, Without trying to change or fix any of it. What's it like to open and allow? Finally, There's an invitation to appreciate all of what you've done here. Appreciate your efforts and any sense of relief that comes from allowing yourself to be with this moment of suffering just as it is. Any sense of ease that comes when resistance to suffering drops away. Spend as long as you'd like here, Simply appreciating how you feel, However you feel before continuing on with your day.

Reviews

What a helpful little practice ! It feels like a soft journey towards self-compassionate awareness, but without rushing into the compassion too quickly. Useful! Thank you as always!