Mountain: June 4 - 10

In June, we celebrate summer. I love these sunny days and spending time in nature.

With that theme in mind, I’m drawing inspiration from the 13th century Buddhist monk, Dogen.

Body like the mountain,

Heart like the ocean,

Mind like the sky.

Master Dogen

zenmasterdogen.com

Let your body be like the mountain. In yoga, there is a posture called mountain pose. With spine elongated, feet planted firmly on the floor, and arms extended downward, mountain pose is the foundation for all standing poses. It strengthens the legs and establishes good alignment. But the real benefit is cultivating a strong sense of body awareness and inner stability.

Remember both you and the mountain are born of the earth.

Practice

Stand or sit upon the earth as a majestic mountain. Sense the place where your body makes contact with the ground. Feel the firmness. Fully inhabit your body. Allow gravity to support you and hold you. Take the next few moments to deepen your awareness of the body, anchored to the earth.

When thoughts and concerns arise as they naturally do, no worries. Think of them as storm clouds. Let them pass. Even when they rage with thunder and lightning, the mountain remain solid and undisturbed. As life's seasons come and go, the mountain remains. Relax into this place of stability.

As you settle more deeply, recognize your inner mountain - the part of you that is unmoved by the winds of change, the place of calm beneath the storm. This place of refuge has always existed within you. This place of deep abiding at the core of your being is always accessible. Know you can return as often and whenever you wish.