Time to let go
“If you let go a little, you will have a little peace. If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace.” ~Ajahn Chah
What a great quote right?! It's not so easy to do though! Throughout our lives we go though a constant process of letting go... we let go of our youth, we let go of our ideas and ideals (sometimes!). We let go of friends and family members - though death, absence or fall outs... we let go of the seasons, we let go of the rose, we let go of the holiday, we let go of the moment, the experience, we let go of the day as we fall asleep...
As Ajahn Chah says the more we let go the more we will have peace. But letting go is perhaps one of the hardest things to do, although we do it every day. We're much better at accumulating and holding than letting go. I don't what this day to end, I don't want this holiday to end, I don't want this person to leave, I don't want to lose my hair, I don't want to give up, I don't want to throw this pair of shoes out even though I never wear them... This is normal, we cling to our habits, and the people, places, things and ideas we like... but this month to be mindful in May, why not try letting go a little?
Declutter, forgive, release and accept.Notice when you're clinging to something or not accepting the reality of a situation. Just notice it, and see if it is causing you any unnecessary suffering. It may be that if you are aware of it, maybe you will be able to let go... a little... It is a universal truth that everything changes, that nothing is certain except death and taxes... :) So to be happier, let go or as the Beatles said 'let it be'....
The blog site TinyBuddha has some suggestions on 40 ways to let go...
This month's photos were all taken on my recent trip to Plum Village. We had a wonderful nourishing time. Muhutin said everyone should go at least once. I couldn't agree more :)
The Namaste mindfulness practice class starting tonight will be the last until mid-September, the next 8-week MBSR (Mindfulness based Stress Reduction) and the next 8-week MSC (Mindful Self-Compassion) will also start in mid-September. I'm getting married you know! :) Though there will still be the monthly workshops over the summer...
Thank you to all of you who sent your messages of congratulations and well wishes on our engagement. They are so appreciated... only a few months left as a single woman.... have to let go of that too! :) xx
Video of the month
Listen to Thich Nhat Hanh's 2006 Dharma Talk on letting go here. If you're short on time listen to this Plum Village song about letting go and feel lighter!
Book of the month
If you're interested in the science of enlightenment you will enjoy this book with fascinating interviews on the subject with Western teachers.
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Namaste Mindfulness classes
Thursday 5 May. £48
I'm taking a break! This six week session will be the last session until mid-september... I'm getting married you know! :) Join now while you still can :)
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Khi Cong with a stick!
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, from at 8am (weather permitting) Jordanstown Loughshore - £5
Come join me for a 45 minute stretch to enliven and energise you! I started this week and the weather has been amazing. See the pic above :) You will feel calm, refreshed, energised and clear minded - ready to start your day. Suitable for everyone.
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Retreat day at the Culloden
Saturday 6 May, Culloden Hotel, Co. Down - £120
Come and join us for this beautiful day of mindfulness, self-compassion and relaxation. I'll leave it to past participants to describe it: "Brilliant day! I feel totally different to when I arrived this morning. This day has been perfect to get me back into the mind-set for re-starting to incorporate mindfulness back into my life. Thanks Bridgeen." Margaret McGarvey
"Friendly group. Welcoming teacher. I was a complete beginner not sure what to except - was best day of my year so far. Good techniques learnt to bring into my peronal and working life. Thank you."
"Love the mindfulness and spa mix and the range of different practices. Really enjoyed it." Claire
"A great day - has had a powerful effect on me that hopefully I can keep up." Niamh
"Great teacher, great group - location was fab! Many thanks." Kerry
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