Light in Times of Darkness
Light in Times of Darkness Sub Text
Light in Times of Darkness
We live in a world of constant change and uncertainty about the future. Usually we react to that reality with fear and anxiety instead of seeing what is possible and positive. Why live in the darkness of our habitual ignorance when we can turn on the light of wise truth?
No Pain, No Gain!
Funny how willing we are to make our exercise programs progressively more challenging to build our strength and flexibility — no pain, no gain! — but when it comes to a challenge not of our choosing, well, forget about it. Yet as Ponlop Rinpoche says, difficult challenges also come with opportunities, so why not start training to build strength and flexibility for situations we don’t choose?
This is a three-part exercise that uses “intuitive drawing” and corresponds with the three videos in the Light in Times of Darkness series:
Intuitive Drawing Part One — What’s my reactive style?
Intuitive drawing is about letting your intuition “draw,” rather than write, a response to a question. It’s not about creating a realistic or beautiful picture; it’s about being in conversation with the question, using symbolic shapes and marks. As you draw, be aware of the feelings in your body and what emotions are present. Use any kind of drawing materials you have on hand. Embellish as you feel inspired. Keep your drawing as you’ll need it for the next two parts.
Here’s the question for Intuitive Drawing #1: How do I react to unwelcome change, what does that look like? Draw for 3 – 4 minutes, try to let the drawing come from your intuition.
One more step: Looking at your drawing. Can you “see” your emotional reactivity? What would be a positive emotional strength to build as an alternative — i.e.: if you react with impatience, then you might focus on patience or courage or joy. We’ll build on this strength in Part Two.
Light in Times of Darkness
Light in Times of Darkness Sub Text
No Pain, No Gain!
Funny how willing we are to make our exercise programs progressively more challenging to build our strength and flexibility — no pain, no gain! — but when it comes to a challenge not of our choosing, well, forget about it. Yet as Ponlop Rinpoche says, difficult challenges also come with opportunities, so why not start training to build strength and flexibility for situations we don’t choose?
This is a three-part exercise that uses “intuitive drawing” and corresponds with the three videos in the Light in Times of Darkness series:
Intuitive Drawing Part One — What’s my reactive style?
Intuitive drawing is about letting your intuition “draw,” rather than write, a response to a question. It’s not about creating a realistic or beautiful picture; it’s about being in conversation with the question, using symbolic shapes and marks. As you draw, be aware of the feelings in your body and what emotions are present. Use any kind of drawing materials you have on hand. Embellish as you feel inspired. Keep your drawing as you’ll need it for the next two parts.
Here’s the question for Intuitive Drawing #1: How do I react to unwelcome change, what does that look like? Draw for 3 – 4 minutes, try to let the drawing come from your intuition.
One more step: Looking at your drawing. Can you “see” your emotional reactivity? What would be a positive emotional strength to build as an alternative — i.e.: if you react with impatience, then you might focus on patience or courage or joy. We’ll build on this strength in Part Two.
Short Videos
01:16
03:25
03:07
Meditations
22:52
11:10
16:38
09:56
16:01