Stopping & Calming

By Michelle Morrison

This session focuses on "Stopping and Calming" - Thich Nhat Hahn's way of describing śamatha, which is an essential aspect of meditation practice. We will set down our projects and worries, and rest our bodies and minds, so that we can restore ourselves and gain insight into what is truly important.

For example, some of us might be feeling fear around the events in Ukraine and may have a conscious or unconscious urge to fight or flee, to say or do something to confront or help the situation. But if we don't stop and acknowledge what's happening inside, our words and actions may not be as wise or powerful as they could be.

Or we may have personal, deep seated fears that keep us running day and night, working, watching TV, reading Tweets, or finding other ways to avoid what we don't want to face in ourselves or in our lives. But if we can stop, then we can rest, and if we rest, we might gain insight into a new way of being with what is, or transforming it.

This recording starts with a brief talk on why Stopping and Calming is an important skill to cultivate. Mindful movements begin at 2:22 and guided meditation begins at 4:30.