Reflection for June

“Times are urgent, let us slow down.” - Bayo Akomolafe

One of the characteristics of these times is an addiction to busyness - doing more and more and doing it faster and faster. Indeed today, busyness is seen as a mark of being important and successful with many people trying to cram as much as possible into their days – working long hours, constantly checking their cell phones, filling their “free time” with activities. But all of this racing around comes with a very heavy toll.
 
Not only does it lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression and other serious health problems, it also leaves no time for developing and sustaining deep relationships, savoring meaningful experiences, reflecting and learning about ourselves and others, and for discerning how to respond to life wisely and skillfully. When our lives are filled with constant busyness, we can feel rushed, isolated, inadequate, and unfulfilled. Life becomes an endless and overwhelming “to-do list”.
 
None of this is probably news to you, but many of us still fall victim to its allure. Recently, I heard a group of meditation teachers talking about how demanding their lives were and how stressed out they felt. Oh the irony! Oh the incongruity! The costs of busyness are so obvious and yet slowing down can be very challenging.
 
What helps me is remembering the benefits of living life more slowly: Feeling more peaceful and content, more loving and compassionate, more present and mindful, more grateful and appreciative, and more imaginative and creative. And when I do this, I naturally calm down and relax. Life becomes too sacred and special to be rushed. Too precious and poignant to be hurried. And too meaningful and magnificent to be fast-tracked.
 
Zen Teacher Suzuki Roshi famously said: “The most important thing is remembering the most important thing.” When we remember what is most important to us – what we value the most in life - our minds settle and the busyness falls away, leaving only one thing to do – to step into the present moment with love and wisdom.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, July 1 from 7:00 - 8:00 am PT on Zoom (available at: https://www.portlandinsight.org/weeklygroups)
Portland Insight Meditation Community
Topic: Mindfulness of the Body (1)

Tuesday, July 8 from 7:00 - 8:00 am PT on Zoom (available at: https://www.portlandinsight.org/weeklygroups)
Portland Insight Meditation Community
Topic: Mindfulness of the Body (2)

Thursday, July 10 from 5:00 - 6:15 pm PT on Zoom
Mindfulness Meditation & More
Topic: TBD
Meditation, talk and comments/questions

Tuesday, July 15 from 7:00 - 8:00 am PT on Zoom (available at: https://www.portlandinsight.org/weeklygroups)
Portland Insight Meditation Community
Topic: Mindfulness of the Body (3)

Tuesday, July 22 from 7:00 - 8:00 am PT on Zoom (available at: https://www.portlandinsight.org/weeklygroups)
Portland Insight Meditation Community
Topic: Mindfulness of the Body (4)

Tuesday, July 29 from 7:00 - 8:00 am PT on Zoom (available at: https://www.portlandinsight.org/weeklygroups)
Portland Insight Meditation Community
Topic: Mindfulness of the Body (5)