Recently I attended a workshop on mindfulness, the Bodhissatva practice, and it’s relationship to racial justice, and these were the prompts we were given, and my responses. I hope this gives some insight into my practice, and helps you , in some way, in this time.
Prompt:
What is it to live my bodhisattva practice wholeheartedly as a white person in today’s society?what if everything I do could arise from this intention – doing/responding to what life/alive calls for, moment by moment?imagine this possibility – what might it look like, how might it change things, release energy, bring joy?
Response:
I think it just starts with everyday action. Everything I do, say, or feel I direct toward love and kindness. I make mistakes, I stumble, but this is the goal I have always had. Now that I’m in a position where I can choose what to do, I feel like my Bodhissatva path is in writing. I want to make inclusive worlds for folks to dream in, together, in unison and peace, and with wonder in the world, both imaginary and real. I’ve been working on a novella that tries to bridge differences in this way, in order for me to elaborate futher, I need to write more, probe more deeply, and help realize peace.
Write with conpassion, let yourself dream. Do not be in fear, try to understand the way, in whatever you can. Dream boldly, let go of any concern about audience or economic impact. If you are truly being compassionate, you can write for everyone most strongly, and help to give voices their time, to hopefully change the world for the better.
Prompt:
What is one direction that you could move in? One thing/set of things that you could do to realize your Bodhisattva practice? Be as specific as you can.As you reflect on this action, how does it feel in your body?
Response:
Write. It feels solid.
Prompt:
What resources do you have, inner and outer, that will help you do that?
Response:
Imagination
Prompt:
What resources will you need to acquire?
Response:
Publisher
Prompt:
How might you stop yourself? What obstacles might you put in your way?
Responce:
Satisfaction, not advancement of the goal.
Prompt:
How will you move through or around these obstacles?
Responce:
Peaceful sound and equanimity.
Prompt:
What can you do in the next week, no matter how small the step, that will move you along this path?
Response:
Just write
The Reluctant Blogger 