Week 1 (7/7/26)
Training the Mind in Turbulent Times Home Practices Week 1 (7/7/26)
Please refresh your formal practices of intentional sitting, walking, standing, and lying down.
- If your practice has been to just sit, contemplate adding a walking session.
- Take a fresh look and extend the time you are intentionally engaged in formal practice if possible.
- Don’t be grandiose. Extending the time by even a few minutes each day is extending the time.
- Formal practice helps tremendously with meeting the times we are in with greater steadiness, strength of heart, and calm.
As well, do everything through the day with wholehearted awareness.
- Whatever it is that you are engaged in – brushing your teeth, writing an e-mail, hugging a friend, looking out the window… be aware and fully present, not thinking about other things. Know what you are doing and just do what you are doing with your whole body, heart, and mind.
Week 2 (7/14/26)
Training the Mind in Turbulent Times Home Practices Week 2 (7/14/26)
The home practices for Week 2 are to continue with the home practice for Week 1 and add:
Please be aware of reactions to the news. Take note of whether you are actively avoiding contact with the news. If you notice this reaction, pause and sense into whether this reaction has wisdom in it or not. Be aware, as well, of being drawn in. If so, pause while consuming any kinds of news (about the world, news about family and friends) and simply experience what is in that moment. Practice pausing and recognizing the mental state that is occurring. You may then want to surround that mental state as well as those involved in the news you are in contact with, with metta and compassion.
Week 3 (7/21/26)
Training the Mind in Turbulent Times Home Practices Week 3 (7/21/26)
Continue with the home practices from Week 1 and 2 and add this investigative question from time to time: Where do you place your trust these days?