The measure of success of our practice is . . .
Not the number of sessions, or how good we are at it, or how long we sit (although we still have to show up and do it)
But in how kind we are, to ourselves and then others, how connected we feel to our life and the people around us, how happy we are – not in that “I got everything I wanted for Xmas” happy but in the kind of happiness that enables us to be resilient, to bounce back and continue to be in the natural flow of life – meeting difficulties without adding to our burdens, recognizing our common humanity and wholeheartedly embracing joy as it tumbles unexpectedly into our days. In short, happy to be with things just the way they are; including ourselves, other people and life situations.
Sharon Saltzberg, a long time practitioner and teacher has written that “we don’t watch our breath just to become good breath-watchers”. And I think this is true. We watch our breath because it is the basic practice, the vehicle through which we cultivate a mind that is focused, open and flexible. But we practice because the world could use more kindness, strength and clarity.
Couldn’t you?
