Simplify

When are we satisfied? How do we know? How do we gently yet clearly winnow our lives down to what is essential? Not only what is essential in a material way but also, how do we traverse our difficult relationships with greater simplicity?

We humans are the only animals that can override our body signals & sensibilities. We are easily seduced when discerning what is enough because we often confuse a “want” for a “need”. Couple that with missed experiences of being heard, seen, supported, etc and it becomes even more complicated.

“Hungry ghost” is an image used in Buddhist psychology to represent our habits of devouring without ever being satisfied: the image is that of beings with tiny pins for mouths and huge bellies. It’s constant craving, but at some point we don’t even know for what. We lose track of ourselves.

Our world can no longer sustain hungry ghosts

When we turn within, we find clues that lead to greater self compassion toward our endless hungers.

What are the body sensations that inform our intention to act and how do we know when they have resulted in satisfaction? How do we recognize the signs of being sated, content, nourished?

“When we give a subtle and careful attention to our bodies, we are able to stay in touch with the experience of our deeper selves.” ~Sensei Peter Levitt

That contact with our deeper selves allows us, with time, to discern between “want” and “need”. Often what we want from others or the world around us, is something we do not know how to offer or receive from ourselves. ~MR