Energy is our focus for Days 41-50 of the 100 Days of Care. The perfection of effort or energy (virya parami) is a letting go of what is unwholesome and a leaning into or moving toward what is wholesome.
THE FOURFOLD APPLICATION OF ENERGY
- Put aside what is unhelpful, unskillful, dark or heavy.
- Guard the mind against picking up what is unhelpful.
- Establish what is light, wholesome and helpful.
- Support and encourage what is wholesome.
We highlight the good qualities that we see in ourself and others, and we ‘let be’ the not-so-good qualities without judging or blaming.
It’s important to notice that our lack of contraction and reactivity around what is unwholesome itself becomes something wholesome. We resonate with patience and compassion.
PRACTICE ENERGY ON CUSHION
In meditation, our effort is easeful. We delight in the basic fact of our consciousness. We bring just enough energy to touch our experience lightly. We steady the mind with a level of intensity that we could keep up all day long — relaxed and composed, while remaining alert and curious.
PRACTICE ENERGY IN DAILY LIFE
We train to notice the simple goodness in our self and others and we allow ourselves to resonate with enjoyment of it.