Sharon Salzberg, internationally renowned meditation teacher, author, and often cited as a central force in bringing mindfulness to the West, once wrote, “The landscape between the known and unknown is the birthplace of faith.”
Times are difficult in Minnesota right now; uncertainty and fear are commonplace in our communities and daily conversations. Resting or calling on faith in such turbulent times can feel irrelevant or illusive. Yet, Salzberg suggests that even in the most difficult times, it is faith, when supported by mindful awareness, that allows us to relate to the present moment with increased resourcefulness and to not get lost in confusion, despair, or anger. Salzberg describes faith as “Essentially about connection – a connection to our own inherent capacity for wisdom and love no matter what our immediate circumstances, a connection to a bigger picture of life no matter what we face… [a capacity that] is inherent in every human being.”
In relational terms, practicing mindfulness can engender a deeper or more intrinsic sense of interconnection with others, moving us to take action, to care for others, and work to alleviate our own and others’ suffering. Research tells us that practicing mindfulness can also increase our empathy, self-compassion, and collaborative behaviors.
Both faith and mindfulness are said to be strengthened and supported in community, in relationship with others. For those living in Minnesota – and elsewhere – practicing mindfulness in our everyday lives at this moment in time may serve to support our faith and a belief in our shared humanity. May our practice inspire us to be there for each other now, and to recognize that life – in addition to its multifaceted beauty – also comes with great difficulties and endless opportunities for growing and evolving into better human beings, together.
Practices for Strengthening Faith and Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Remember to Rekindle
In a recent posting, Dan Harris, well-known podcaster and mindfulness proponent, quoted Albert Schweitzer: “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
Harris shared that he used Schweitzer’s quote to remind us that going dark sometimes is not a personal failure – it’s just part of being human. What matters, he said, is having people around who can help reignite that spark. And being that person for others when we can. We're all just taking turns keeping each other's lights on. Harris claims that’s not a human weakness, that's just how life works. And so, he recommends that we each more intentionally reach out to others for rekindling.
You may also wish to practice rekindling by recalling, with gratitude and perhaps some awe, the inspirational figures throughout history – perhaps your own ancestors – who have worked to keep the flame aglow in themselves and others.
P.A.C.E. Yourself
PACE, an in-the-moment mindfulness practice, can help us come home again, to awaken to a more spacious awareness, especially when we find ourselves feeling a bit overwhelmed or agitated.
- Pause throughout your day. Take a few mindful breaths. Offer yourself and others some grace.
- Acknowledge reactivity, label your emotions. Allow your emotions to simply be and as best you can, tend to them with kindness. Notice and soften into body sensations, especially any tightness or holding.
- Compassionately direct your energy toward things you can impact/control. Practice self-compassion.
- Engage with others. Ask for support, or ideas. Remember that you matter. Lend an ear to someone in need of being heard and seen. Remind them that they matter to you.
Pay Attention to Where You Are Placing Your Attention
The news and constant online alerts can be unrelenting and serve to rev up an already taxed central nervous system. Give yourself regular breaks from social media, your favorite news feed, and conversations that tend to harden rather than rekindle the heart. In their place, go for a quiet walk in nature, pet your cat or dog, or cook a nourishing meal for yourself and those you love.
Take Note of Smaller, Meaningful Daily Actions
When times are tough and complex, it’s hard to remember that smaller, caring actions matter. They can positively impact our own and others’ resilience and wellbeing. Notice a coworker’s smile, the ride a neighbor just gave to someone in need, the care offered by a waiter, or your choosing to drink a tall glass of water instead of yet another overly-caffeinated beverage. Small gestures of kindness and caring matter. Acknowledge them whenever you can.