7 Severn

When we have a longing for something. This usually comes from having a lack of the thing we have a longing for. Which can then play on our sentimentality and affection towards it. That being the case. We are often left preoccupied in this regard.

The Britannica Dictionary states: –

Longing
A strong desire for something or someone.

Sentimental
Based on, showing, or resulting from feelings or emotions rather than reason or thought.

Affectionate
Feeling or showing love and affection.

The following exercise may help in putting things into perspective:

Tonglen

Tonglen comes from Tibetan Buddhism and means “sending and receiving”, or “giving and taking”. It aides in awakening compassion within whilst dissolving any barriers we may hold around the heart.

Find a safe and comfortable space in order to carry out this exercise. Allowing yourself 5 to 10 minutes, read through the instructions prior to its practice.

1. In a comfortable seated position, ensure your spine is straight and shoulders are relaxed.

2. Close your eyes and take a few breaths to help ground you into the present moment.

3. Visualise an orb of pure, radiant white light in the centre of your chest. This represents love, compassion, peace and healing.

4. Sit with this light a moment and then allow your mind to come to any difficulties you face in life. Imagine your fears, concerns and discomforts as dark, heavy energy or cloud.

5. When they come to mind, breathe them into this light in your chest. With the inhalation, see them dissolve into the light.

6. With the exhalation, allow all negativity to leave your body as you radiate positivity and warmth.

7. Continue in this practice for as long as feels right for you. Then consider exploring this further, for other people, animals, or ecosystems. As you inhale, let the heaviness or darkness that surrounds them be dissolved by the light within you. As you exhale, send them healing love and light.

8. Bring the practice to a close by offering it to the world. Inhale negativity into the white light within you. Exhale compassion and lightness to all beings of earth.

9. To close. Allow all visualisations to go as you come back to focus on your breath. Ground yourself through the earth and slowly open your eyes.

Consider how this type of practice felt for you in both mind and body.
How might you embrace it into your daily life – whether formally, or informally?

Thank you for reading.

Next Week. We’re discussing: Tender – Caring – Compassionate.