Lighten Up - “Finally,” Pema Chodren asks, “couldn’t we just lighten up?”

Yes! I regularly need to be reminded to lighten up. I take myself and the things that arise in my life way too seriously most of the time.

I’ve been posting about Pema’s methods for dealing with chaos. The first one was:

- stop struggling,

- then using poison as medicine,

- and the third one, regard everything that arises as the manifestation of wisdom.

- She finishes the chapter by encouraging us to relax and lighten up which puts a smile on my face.

Recently, I have been meditatively practicing all four steps in a row when I sense that I am struggling, or my life is getting a little chaotic.

First, I gently remind myself that I am “thinking” and I shift my focus to my breath (Stop struggling).

Second, I breathe in the poison of the given situation which may be feelings of craving or addiction, aggression, or wanting to shut down and just avoid difficulty. I breathe out healing and freedom for all who may be dealing with the same poison I’m dealing with.

Third, I remind myself that everything that arises is the manifestation of wisdom, that everything is sacred, and that I am awake.

And finally, with a bit of a smile, I remind myself to relax and lighten up.

I am finding it is a great method to help hit the reset button and to make peace with what is.

Based on chapter 19 “When Things Fall Apart” by Pema Chodron.