ISmile293 – Traps, Snares and Qualities That Bind

Whatever keeps us off of the cushion is what keeps us from awakening. At least this is one of Michael’s most common refrains as he encourages a daily stillness practice. Why? “Because,” as he says, “it loosens whatever is keeping us bound.” Once this loosening takes on the characteristics of a deeper unraveling, our bondage becomes a choice rather than an addiction. This evening’s Dharma talk takes this subject on in a couple of capacities. First, it approaches the ways that the ego can attempt to control the process of awakening. Second, it refers to a recent blog posting where Michael explores the types of relationships we cultivate both within ourselves and with other people. From these two perspectives we learn how to get out of the way of the inherently natural process of an evolutionary awakening.