Monday 5 February 2024

The Practice of Non-Preference




The Practice of Non-Preference:


Life is always changing, always bringing something new to our door. It's therefore a wonderful practice to accept what comes, whatever it is, and allow it in.

When we prefer something over something, we're in our mind, and there's a judgment of what is here. We start to fight it!

For example, if you're having a lovely day, health is great, and then all of a sudden the next day you feel ill, we often go into our mind and judge: "Oh, but I was well yesterday, now what is this? I'm not better. I'm feeling worse. What have I done? What can I do to make myself feel better?" We instantly disapprove of the 'feeling worst' and want it to disappear.

You feel better by feeling the worst. In the universe's eyes, there is no better or worse, there is just now and what happens now.

It's interesting, but we're always looking to the future, to try and mould it, shape it and control it so we 'feel good, happy and healthy' and anything that runs contrary to this we object to.

Stop objecting. Just be where you are. Everything comes to you for a reason and everything is coming to stay just for a little while before heading off again.

Practice non-preference. Embrace all the highs, all the lows, all the 'betters' and all the 'worst'.

Miraculously, what seems to come after doing this is a peaceful equanimity, a joyful presence that is kind and compassionate to whatever comes.

What are you objecting to today? Can you embrace it, allow it to be, without judgment? See how this makes you feel.