Our teacher this week is Jack Kornfield who spent the years 1967 to 1972 becoming a monk in Thailand and Burma. Since 1974 he has been teaching meditation worldwide and was instrumental in introducing Buddhist mindfulness practices to the West.
Standing at the start of a new week looking ahead, here are some thoughts from Jack to reflect on:
“The heart is like a garden. It can grow compassion or fear, resentment or love. What seeds will you plant there?” – Jack Kornfield
We have the power to cultivate the inner landscape of our hearts. Each experience, thought, and interaction becomes a seed we sow. Over time, these seeds grow into the very essence of who we are.
As we embark on a new week, what kind of garden are we nurturing within? Will it be filled with vibrant blooms of compassion, forgiveness, and love? Or will it be choked by weeds of fear, anger, and resentment?
What seeds will you plant in your heart this week?
“Wherever you are is the perfect place to awaken. This moment is the exact place to practice compassion and loving awareness. You have all the ingredients to breathe and find freedom just where you are.” – Jack Kornfield
“May I be given the appropriate difficulties so that my heart can truly open with compassion. Imagine asking for that.” – Jack Kornfield
I appreciate this reminder from Jack as I step into a new week – there is no growth without facing difficulties so instead of trying to avoid stumbling blocks and obstacles, I am asking “please send me the appropriate difficulties”.
“Help me remember that there is no ‘there’ on the horizon where I will finally be ‘enlightened’ but that right here, right now, facing what is right in front of me is the perfect place to breathe and create an inner spaciousness from where I can see with more clarity.”
Jack Kornfield reminds us that the heart is like a garden, it can grow compassion or fear, resentment or love – what seeds am I planting in my heart this week?
“I will not act (react) in fear, I will stop and breathe, I will not look away, and I will see. And then I will consciously choose the action (not reaction) that is the true expression of the being that I am. I am not creating in fear. I am creating in freedom!” – pierre
I Choose to see all obstacles this week as “appropriate difficulties”. – pierre
So, how do we cultivate a heart garden overflowing with positive emotions? Here are a few guiding mantras:
- I choose compassion over fear. When faced with a challenge, I will take a deep breath and respond with understanding rather than react out of fear.
- I see difficulties as opportunities for growth. Every obstacle holds the potential to strengthen my heart and open me to new perspectives.
- I find joy in the present moment. I will appreciate the beauty of what is right here, right now, and cultivate gratitude for the experiences that shape me.
By consciously planting seeds of love, kindness, and acceptance, we cultivate a heart garden that blossoms into a life filled with joy, resilience, and inner peace. Remember, you are the gardener of your own heart. Choose your seeds wisely and watch your beautiful garden bloom.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Jumpstart the week!
(image credit: Dubai Miracle Garden https://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/)