On Silent Retreat: Releasing the Hindrances

May the gentle breezes and strong winds whispering – or sometimes booming – “Let it go. Let it go. Let it go.” blow away our fears and the clinging to our wants and create space for the wholesome desires of our souls to blossom.

May the creek – gurgling, then roaring after the rain – smooth the rough edges of the rocks, pebbles, and stones of resentment, pain, and suffering – the agonies of aversion – along our paths.

May the sun – and bonfire – burn through sloth and torpor and ignite the flames of inspiration in our souls to create anew, to transform. Again, again, and again.

May the soft glow and healing energy of the moon soothe our restlessness and worry and any regret or judgment underneath them and bring us back to the present moment – the love and kindness that is always here in our hearts for us, the present moment where freedom lies.

May the Earth embrace and hold us in her infinite kindness, compassion, joy, peace, and ease. And may her touch allow us to trust ourselves, and may all doubt fall away.

May we know ourselves as we truly are, know the embrace of unconditional love, know our “I am” presence – in all the present moments, when the hindrances fall away as the delusions they are.

May we know our innate worth.

May we do no harm and take no crap.

May we know our right to be here, to exist.

And may we hear the thunder of our beings as we claim our seats.