Lower My Finger
To balance what I see as our overreliance on dualistic thinking, we have to find ways to practice thinking in a different way, where we can receive the moment as an open field. I call it the nondual or contemplative mind. In that space, we don’t have to divide the field or reject anything we don’t yet understand as wrong. We don’t have to eliminate everything that’s mysterious, negative, painful, or problematic. With the contemplative mind, we can leave the field open.
Rohr reminds us that the contemplative mind allows us to “receive the moment as an open field.” We do not have to divide, reject, or solve everything (easier said than done).
This reminds me of the teaching about the finger pointing at the moon. The finger is dualistic as it points, separates, names, and explains. The moon is non-dual as it simply is open, whole, mysterious, and present.
In mindfulness, we practice noticing when we are caught by the finger: our labels, judgments, fears, and explanations. Then, gently, we return to the moon: breath, body, silence, and the fullness of this moment.
I find mindfulness supports my intention to lower my finger….if only for a moment.
Mondays & Thursdays
12:15 – 12:45 pm
Room 407 @ Second Presbyterian Church
7700 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260
or
Zoom! - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83998337582
Meeting ID: 839 9833 7582 - Password: 672891
Join others in Mindfulness Meditation on Mondays and Thursdays at 12:15 pm. Brief discussion, followed by silent practice and concluding with observations, comments, or wonderings.
Take refuge in the present moment. Mindfulness Meditation is the opportunity to rest in Presence in a supportive environment with others. No experience, fee or registration is necessary.
P. Scott Sweet,
LCSW, LCAC
Executive Director
CenterPoint Counseling