Have you had moments of feeling utterly lost, like the world was crumbling around you? In today’s message, Tara Brach, shares a profound truth that she had come to understand during her own life’s biggest upset: in the midst of life’s storms, our truest refuge lies within ourselves.
“I decided to write ‘True Refuge’ during a major dive in my own health. Diagnosed with a genetic disease that affected my mobility, I faced tremendous fear and grief about losing the fitness and physical freedom I loved.” – Tara Brach
Turning inwards for refuge is not about isolating or hiding from a scary world. It’s about building a foundation of inner strength that is founded in the inviting arms of your SELF. It’s in this space of self-acceptance that we discover the most profound form of connection: while the world around us is ever-changing and always uncertain, we can discover within ourselves the immovable presence of eternal love.
“The great gift of a spiritual path is coming to trust that you can find a way to true refuge. You realize that you can start right where you are, in the midst of your life, and find peace in any circumstance. Even at those moments when the ground shakes terribly beneath you—when there’s a loss that will alter your life forever—you can still trust that you will find your way home. This is possible because you’ve touched the timeless love and awareness that are intrinsic to who you are.” – Tara Brach
“You have a unique body and mind, with a particular history and conditioning. No one from the outside can offer you a formula for navigating all situations and all states of mind. Only by listening inwardly in a fresh and open way will you discern at any given time what most serves your healing and freedom.” – Tara Brach
Finding your refuge starts with a gentle self-compassion. We often push ourselves to achieve, to grow, but what if growth could flourish organically, nurtured by kindness instead of self-criticism?
When we learn to be gentle with ourselves, to accept ourselves as we are on this very human journey, something remarkable happens. This self-compassion ripples outwards, fostering a more accepting and compassionate space for the imperfections of those around us. Deepening our connection with the humans around us too.
A few thoughts for your own self-reflection:
- Where can I offer myself more kindness and acceptance today?
- What practices bring me a sense of inner peace?
- How can I extend the compassion I find for myself to those around me?
By embarking on this journey of self-acceptance, we not only find refuge within the storms of life, but also pave the way for deeper, more meaningful connections with others. Remember, the greatest gift we can offer the world is the most authentic version of ourselves.
Have an awesome Sunday everybody!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Finding silence.