Good morning Dear Spears, thank you for posting the important question: "How do we feel at one with those who do not feel at one with us?" Please do not beat yourself up, and forgive those who seem enthusiastic to denigrate you or your spiritual perspective.
In the 15th chapter of the Dao De Jing we are reminded to meditate and in the 67th chapter we are reminded that the three treasures of the the Dao are simplicity, patience and compassion. But how do these seemingly disparate parts fit together harmoniously and synergistically?
Please forgive me if I insult your intelligence, for that is most certainly NOT my intention. Sit comfortably upon a firm meditation cushion resting upon a folded yoga blanket. Assume whatever cross-legged position you can, sit with your hands in your lap, your spine erect, your chin somewhat tucked, and your soft gaze (one or two meters ahead of you) at eye level.
In the 28th chapter of the Dao De Jing we are reminded that although we are to be aware of both our yang and yin impulses, it is best to ONLY be guided by the yin. And as such, as we breathe in we could practice mindfulness as we silently and mentally recite "Notice this..." and as we breathe out we could physically relax and mentally release as we silently and mentally recite "relaxing!"
How do we practice mindfulness through the lens of yin? By doing so vulnerably, passively, viscerally, and SPONTANEOUSLY. As we sit various things, beings, and phenomena will come, visit, and then depart; all of their own accord. We will be visited by thoughts, memories, or imaginings of those who love use, those who hate us, and those who are utterly indifferent toward us.
It is perfectly natural for us to feel all sorts of emotions, intentions, and sensations. With each inhalation we access the perceptual acuity of our thoracic spinal cord's sympathetic nervous system and effortless notice: the external, or internal, or physical, or mental, or pleasurable, or painful, or interesting, or boring, or glorious, or grotesque.
As we exhale we access the ability to physically relax and mentally release latent within both the lumbar and cervical spinal cord's parasympathetic nervous system. As you sit there noticing and releasing for twenty, or forty, or even sixty minutes you could viscerally feel the melting of all differences, barriers, or walls (real or imagined). The very real difference between poop and chocolate that you could observe as you breath in, could come to feel distant, remote, intangible and utterly forgettable as you breath out.
Our quest is NOT to influence how we perceive the world, but rather to be vulnerable before our perceptions as we breathe in, and physically relax as well as mentally release as we breathe out.
If I have been unclear, or if you have additional questions you are welcome to send me a note. Until then may you master the centered spontaneity of simplicity, patience, and compassion.
-L. Jigme
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