Meditation
Sogyal Rinpoche
Self Esteem Exercise
Imagine
Imagine yourself as two people:
- A whole, compassionate, warm and loving true friend willing to be there for you, responsive and open without judgement, whatever your faults or shortcomings.
- The aspect of ourselves has negative emotions and ideas; one who is a victim, who feels “Nobody understands me,” or feels wronged by people or society.
Breathe
- Breathe in the whole, compassionate person; breath in having them absorb all of the pain and negativity of the second person.
- Breathe out, letting the compassionate self send healing love, warmth, trust, comfort, confidence, happiness and joy to the other part.
Autobiography In Five Chapters
Sogyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost… I am hopeless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I’m in the same place.
But it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in… it’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
I walk down another street.
Related Images:
I have always used mindfulness to become part of
the moment of doing something and fully engaging.
For instance, when drinking tea or coffee, fully
become aware of all aspects of the preparation,
pouring, and drinking without thinking of
something else. Just be present, its a great
exercise and then return to the breath when
needed.