This month as we explore Presence, (with ourselves, the Earth, one another, with the Holy, and with what is,) we have been a bit more aware of what gets in our way of being fully present.

Our morning meditation practice gives us ample opportunity to experience just how quickly, and in how many ways our minds and emotions can wander and shift. One of the things that can get in the way of someone being present is when one re-tells a resentment story from our past… the time that someone else did something that was hurtful. Each time we retell the story, either to ourselves or share it with someone else, our bodies respond to the chemicals released from the anger or hurt. We perpetuate our own suffering.

Forgiveness, says Buddhist teacher, Jack Kornfield, “is giving up hope of a better past.” If the harm done is truly in the past, and not continuing, forgiveness can allow us to unhook from these resentment stories, decrease our suffering, and allow us to be more fully present. This isn’t always easy. Like everything else it is a practice. Self-awareness is a journey.

This week the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Wednesday. It is a day of atonement and forgiveness, of deep spiritual work… creating spaciousness for presence and connection. May we each find ways to be more fully present. We’d love to hear from you about what you are experiencing.

In faith, and with hope~ Rev. Lynn and Rev. Wendy