Sometimes complaining is useful. Everyone needs to vent and feel heard about their struggles, both small and large. But overall, an attitude of complaint as a basic orientation to life is psychologically paralyzing and spiritually depleting. Originating from the Tantric Buddhist system, there is a set of four contemplations (intended for serious practitioners to engage with regularly, if not daily) for orienting ourselves to a more optimistic approach to life. This basic optimism, and the urgency to use our limited time here well, are crucial for any form of psychological or spiritual development. We will be working with these contemplations and teachings which support them for the rest of the year at our Thursday morning group (8-8:50am ET, free for paid subscribers to the substack).
Attached is a 35 minute talk and contemplation on the first of these four reminders: The precious human life. We practice generating gratitude and clarity, beginning with a body scan and mindfulness, with a progression through contemplating five personal privileges we each have which will aid us along our journey. More details below the “fold.” Enjoy! And thanks for supporting the work!
