Sharon Salzberg – Metta Hour – Ep. 08 – Love is Space

Space

Love is Space

“Develop a mind so filled with love that it resembles space.” Sharon uses this quote, from the Buddha, to emphasize the value of creating a vast and loving space from which we can operate. This cultivation can come in the form of expanded awareness, or from the clearing and cleansing of the present environment. When we un-clutter the heart, we are reminded to stay true to our deepest intentions.

Episode Outline:

Love and Space

‘Develop a mind so filled with love that it resembles space’ (Buddha). A love so vast, and so unconfined cannot be compromised

‘We Work to make it Real’

Our active engagement in the practice is what creates the space. We test our balance by bringing ourselves into the places where we encounter resistance

Unclutter the Heart

Creating space doesn’t always require expansion, but can come when we release some of the emotions we are constantly gathering

Loving Kindness (‘The antidote to fear) –

It serves as a protector of our heart’s wisdom

So Much We Don’t Know

We work to plant the seeds, while simultaneously allowing nature to unfold as it does

The Pretense of Accident’

We often can’t predict how our path will unfold, but we can always stay true to our deepest intention. We do our part, despite all that is out of our hands

The Hindsight Meditation Society

How often do we feel as if nothing remarkable is happening, only to later discover that we were right where we needed to be? What we immediately perceive is rarely the end of the story – Actions ripple out

The Bodhisattva (Has only one way)

When compassion is present, we know where we need and deserve to be. Our practices transform our motivational field and shift us into a space of deeper connection

Don’t Get Discouraged (We can always come back)

The nature of life is so ephemeral, and we do our best not to get caught up in our experiences

Dedicated Practice

The most critical moment in your meditation practice is the moment you sit down to do it’. Commit yourself to awareness and love every day, if only for a few moments. Do what works for you, without self-judgment

Stuff from this episode:

Books by Sharon –

Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation: A 28-Day Program

Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness (Shambhala Classics)

Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience

Insight Meditation Kit (Step-By-Step Course on How to Meditate)

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