Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Based upon my teacher’s advice to reduce the amount of time I devote to formal anapanasati and focus my efforts more upon brightening the mind I have reduced my duration from 60 minutes to 25 minutes. For at least two months I have been struggling with anxiety and mental darkness the likes of which I can only compare to the depths of adolescence and it seemed that my practice was simply not up to the challenge. In a way, I had stumbled upon the importance of working to bring light and energy into the heart through the brahmaviharas but then I would slog through 45 minutes of anapanasati without catching more than a handful of breaths.

I think what my teacher is pointing to is the truism that direct, unyielding force is not always the most effective approach. In this case softness seems to be the best choice to overcome the seemingly unrelenting stream of restlessness and worry. May I remain ever mindful of my commitment to the good, of my resolve upon liberation and my desire to be a helping hand to all beings.