Silence as object of meditation

This morning, setting the intention to explore silence, I noticed that awareness of silence can be a gratifying place of refuge. Awareness of silence when set in contrast with objects that come from the pool of non-silence - whether it be sounds from nature, sounds from other humans and their voices and words, does become a place of refuge.  As for my attention to the non-silence of my thoughts, my attention to the chatter generated by my thoughts, there is also joy in awareness of silence, in the awareness of silence as object of meditation. Thoughts and chatter become maybe less compelling - and I might be able to learn & accept this chatter as normal and undying, and the content -  always transitory. 

Hugh Byrne - June 23, 2024 - 4 Heavenly Messengers

The practice of 'Triage' in our inner lives. What is most important now in a world full of challenges - a personal world and a world common to all of us.

Being present for 'this'...meet it wholeheartedly...what can be dealt with now, in this moment...the power of now: Eckhardt Tolle.

Some things have to be dealt with later...when the time is right. 

What is this moment calling for? The messenger is here. Reminders of our impermanence. What is a compassionate response to this person, to this situation...this instead of 'judgement', instead of aversion. 

Here we remember the criticality of attending to our spiritual life, the primacy of our spiritual life, our inner life... being present with our life, in an 'inner' way: cultivate kindness, compassion... thereby we create the conditions that are appropriate to the outer life.  this is the message of the 4th Heavenly Messenger.  from this quality of being present now...opening wholeheartedly to this moment. Cultivate acceptance.

How are these Heavenly Messengers showing up in my life? Sickness in my life, in my partner's life, my family's life. 

Antonio Machado: "Walker"