Immersing in Context

In this Session, we consider how the foregoing grounding and shadow/light practices support awareness of the lived experiences of interconnection and interdependence.

Our practices so far have helped us settle into a state of mindfulness-based awareness of the present moment, including bare awareness of all that tempts us to crave and cling; to push away and to hate; to remain ignorant and deluded. In this Session, we will examine more closely how information and contact arrive at each of the sense doors – namely, touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, and consciousness – and subtly invite reactions that can lead to dukkha and suffering. The phenomena that lead to such reactions together comprise what I’ll call here “context.” Each of us experiences ourselves in and through the contexts within which we find ourselves, and are inevitably shaped thereby.

Video:

Meditation:

This is a 19 minutes Guided Meditation on Immersing and Emerging in Context. The meditation will assist you in establishing awareness of the body in context, of feelings in context, of mind in context, and of our way of navigating the world with the support of the Dharma, in context.

Reflection:

This is an invitation to practice noticing the specific causes and conditions that influence your reactions, responses, and developing sense of freedom in the moments of your lives. Please note that here and always, we invite you to practice with just how much challenge as you find workable in this moment – let your own inner teacher be a guide toward exploring only that which sits well within what trauma researcher Peter Levine called your “window of tolerance.”

Bonus meditation:

Youtube Playlist: