The DAILY SPARK Blog

RENT FREE

Holding a grudge is letting someone live rent-free in your head.

Quote by Ann Landers 

Esther Pauline “Eppie” Lederer, better known by the pen name Ann Landers, was an American advice columnist and eventually a nationwide media celebrity. She began writing the “Ask Ann Landers” column in 1955 and continued for 47 years, by which time its readership was 90 million people. Source: Wikipedia

REFLECTION:

  • Are there grudges you are still carrying?
  • How can you release them – realizing that you can be free and/or at least start charging rent for the space this has occupied in your head.

REPEATING THE SAME STORY

We often repeat stories not because we are forgetful or indulgent, but because there is too much meaning to digest in one expression.  We keep sharing the story that presses our heart until we understand it all.  … Chanting the mantra of your experience until its truth is released. 

Source:  THE BOOK OF AWAKENING  Having the Life You Want By Being Present To The Life You Have by Mark Nepo

 

REFLECTION:

  • Are there stories you repeat time and time again?
  • Is there still too much meaning to digest?
  • What truth needs to be released?

POINT OF CONTACT

Just as a pair of shoes protects us from stubbing our toe, mindfulness, if applied at the point of contact with any arising in the mind or body, or any event that befalls us, whether it is threatening or seductive, can protect us and others from a great deal of suffering. 

Source:  Arriving At Your Own Door:  108 Lessons in Mindfulness by Jon Kabat-Zinn

REFLECTION:

  • Do you have a protective practice that supports you during a difficult or threatening time?
  • Is there a current situation you are experiencing that you can apply a mindfulness practice to eliminate or reduce suffering?
  • Try it on… see if it fits.