One of my New Year’s reading resolutions is to increase my exposure to non-fiction. I’m always looking for ways to help keep my anxiety under control, so I figured if I read In Love with the World about the journey of a Tibetan Buddhist Monk I may get some pointers. And Pointers I did find! Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche decides to run away from his monastery and truly be out on his own, all alone in the world in order to embark upon a “wandering retreat”. During this time he discovers who he really is, without the label monk, son, teacher, friend. He would just “be” and accept whatever the world presented. Without money. Without food. Without title.
This book is compelling so much, so I found myself highlighting points I found personally profound. Some of the lessons I learned were: I should try to be brave enough “to expose [myself] to circumstances so unfamiliar as to make me familiar with myself. (pg. 13). So lead a life of adventure. Do not be afraid of change. Perfect encouragement to start the new year. Another lesson: If [I] can train [myself] to slow down and [watch] my thoughts -not to get carried away from them but just to notice-[I] will be amazed by the universes that [I] traverse moment after moment (63).” This is a tough one. Anxiety makes it difficult to “still” my mind. This will take practice. Lesson three: and ultimately “all that we are looking for in life- all the happiness, contentment and peace of mind- is right here in the present moment. Our very own awareness itself fundamentally pure and good…make space in your life to recognize the richness of your basic nature to see the purity of your being and let its innate qualities of love, compassion and wisdom naturally emerge. (252).”
Such beautiful words to know that in our awareness of whatever we happen to be experiencing, whether it be love or fear, sadness or joy, likes the capacity for goodness and pureness. Now we just have to remind ourselves of this when it matters most.
Ink And Spine 