Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Something I am seeing again and again is the mind’s willingness to believe all sorts of nightmare scenarios at the same time that it clings to this idea of its inherent helplessness. There is a voice that seems to be incessantly repeating “I can’t do it. I don’t have the energy or strength to face the situation.” It looks so strange to translate those thoughts into the written word but these unspoken thoughts are what makes fear so dangerous. In addition to hearing these voices of hopelessness whispering to themselves day and night I can literally feel the effect they have on my physical energy level and can truly appreciate what people with depression feel that causes them to sleep all day and not feel up to doing much of anything.

So, what to do? Obviously I have to fight the inertia of fear by staying physically active but, more importantly, I need to keep coming back and seeing the thoughts for what they are: thoughts. And the way I do this best is through maintaining my practice through the storm. Wish me luck.