October 2022 week 1

I have faith that as I listen to that “still, small voice” I will be guided. I proceed with confidence, optimism and trust. Each day is an opportunity to make progress in my life. ~Daily Word.

October is here!!!! Let’s look at this as a fun month of transition into shorter days, more clothes lol and possibly more time to journey inward. I love this passage from the Daily Word above and its a great place to start as it reconnects us to the 1st Klesha and the root of the other 4 - Avidya, spiritual ignorance. We can use these October days to reconnect to that quiet, simple voice inside so we can keep these Klesha’s at bay as we move into another busy season of holidays and gatherings!!!!

This month we journey forward into the 3rd Klesha, Raaga - attachment to pleasure, pleasurable things and desires. To clarify, it is not “wrong” to have pleasurable experiences, the suffering comes in when we are attached to a pleasurable experience. For example, when we have a pleasurable experience: whether its a great practice or so much fun out or food that is soooo good, then we want to try to repeat that experience and it’s not always possible. We create our own suffering because now we are attached to feeling this way ONLY because of XYZ. We create “conditional” contentment or happiness and when we can’t recreate this experience and subsequent feeling, we suffer.
Ultimately it is the clinging that makes us suffer. So here we need to come back to Avidya and the connection to our inner self and our own “GOD”. This week, let’s take some time to notice where in life we are attached to pleasure. It could be an activity, food taste, place…… and know its ok to have enjoyment but it becomes an obstacle when we are so attached to IT and how IT plays out; then when IT doesn’t play out that particular way - we suffer we are disappointed, sad etc. From here let’s work on finding fun this month with total, all in presence and without attachment!!! The intention to help us repeat as often as we need to is:
“All that I seek is already within me.”

I will leave you with this Acceptance meditation I read at the end of class today:
“Today may there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.."