Where do you take refuge during hard times?

Dear Friends,

As times continue to be challenging for all of us, I’ve been reflecting about what I rely on in the toughest moments – what or who do I truly know is there for me?

Last year, when I first heard about a very painful situation happening with one of my kids, I basically froze. And while I was frozen on my couch, almost afraid to think,  I realized that I still had one thing: this present moment as defined by the next in-breath.

Paying attention to my inhale and exhale allowed me to stay solid enough to make it through a very rough time. The suffering didn’t disappear, but I was able to tolerate it one breath at a time. And this made me realize that when I’m truly up against the wall, my mindfulness practice is what I go to. I have found refuge in my breathing and my steps many times over the years.

This morning, on the Ten Percent Happier podcast,  I heard Kevin Griffin (Buddhist and 12-step author and teacher) say that when he heard the news about the 2016 election, he became very distraught. He wondered what could remain if the world as he knew it ended. And he realized that what the Buddha taught, the dharma, was the only thing that remained and that he could trust the dharma.  

We need to know that we have a refuge- something we trust can support us- because life can be hard. Nothing is permanently satisfying, which means that we will always encounter suffering. What is your refuge for when you are deeply challenged? Can you find your way back to the present moment through your breathing, or trust in certain spiritual teachings?

As always, I’d love to hear what comes up for you when you reflect on this.