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Dear Footsteps Friends, as well as our usual silent sitting and guided meditation, we will continue our practice with the 3rd of the Four Nutriments, Volition. Volition represents our deepest aspirations and intentions, the ‘why’ behind what we do every day.
Each day, we make choices that can increase peace, joy and compassion in ourselves and the world, or that allow less wholesome things to grow. By looking regularly and more deeply at our volition, our life goals or aspirations, we bring mindful awareness to our choices, and ensure that we nourish ourselves with wholesome intentions rather than unconscious desires that may have the opposite effect to what we would hope for.
A common theme of the sharings at our last session was that the main aspiration or motivating factor for all those who came (variously expressed) is to become a more loving, kind and compassionate person each day. For some, this is through the helping nature of our work or volunteering, for others through activities that build community, like community gardens, music, interest or spiritual groups, and at the most basic level, just showing up for our lives with kindness and love for our families and those we encounter each day.
Some also shared that they are consciously looking for ways that they can express their deepest aspiration in more concrete ways. But as shared by some, setting the intention and the determination is the most important thing, as our thoughts, speech and actions naturally flow from what is in our hearts. As Suzuki Roshi shared, ‘Intention is already action.’
Some also shared that the reminder that the bodhisattva vow does not have to be grand or complicated is a wonderful encouragement, that is, ‘To bring joy to one person (or being) in the morning, and relieve the suffering of one person (or being) in the evening’, which flows out ever-expanding circles through the world.
Given the richness of the theme, we will continue our practice with Volition at our next Footsteps session at 6.45pm on Wednesday 3 June, where we will continue to reflect on the questions, particularly the last two:
• What do I hope for in my life? What motivates me?
• What inspires me or brings me the greatest joy? Is this aligned with my hopes or aspirations?
• How do I know when I am living according to my deepest aspirations or values?
• How do I feel when I am not living according to my aspirations and values?
And perhaps for those who want to consider this more deeply: Is it my experience that every word and action starts with my intention?
Warm smiles and peaceful steps.
Judy, Dom and Tom
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