Live Well with Pain as an Opportunity for Transformation

“When I bring my attention to the mind that is registering pain, rather than focusing on a particular area of pain, the pain doesn’t necessarily disappear, but it becomes a point of actively engaging with whatever I’m experiencing here and now, rather than trying to avoid it.” Mingyur Rinpoche When we experience pain, it may not be possible to alleviate the physical symptoms. In the coming weeks we will study how the sensation of pain itself can be a powerful support for cultivating awareness and transforming our habitual reactions.  Many of us are experiencing physical pain and discomfort these days, whether the intense pains of illness or other pains and feelings that result from changes in our lifestyles during the time of physical distancing. While we should do what we can to alleviate such symptoms, when physical pain is unavoidable we can use it on our path of awakening. This week we will study how the sensation of pain itself can support us to rest in awareness and to discover our innate wisdom and compassion, both for ourselves and for others. Join us for a YouTube Premiere teaching with Mingyur Rinpoche on Sunday, June 14 at 11:00 AM EDT (17:00 CEST). Translation will be available in multiple languages. Visit streaming.tergar.org during the Premiere for the details. The Buddha taught that there are four rivers of natural suffering, the inevitable difficulties of life: birth, aging, sickness, and death. While we cannot avoid the physical pain of these experiences, we can change our attitude towards it. By doing so, we can reduce our emotional and mental pain, and use the challenge of physical pain as an opportunity for discovery and growth. Pain’s very intensity and directness make it a very powerful support for cultivating awareness and transforming our habitual reactions.  Join us for a live-streamed teaching with Tergar Instructor Antonia Sumbundu on Sunday, June 21 at 11:00 AM EDT (17:00 CEST). Join us on YouTube Live for two group practice sessions each week with 20 minutes of guided meditation plus the opportunity to ask practice-related questions. The sessions are recorded so you can come back to practice at any time. Tuesdays, 8 PM EDT (Wednesdays, 2 AM CEST) Fridays, 2 PM EDT (8 PM CEST) Remember that you can always watch past talks and sessions from Mingyur Rinpoche, Instructors, and Facilitators on the Tergar Meditation Community YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to the channel, and click the bell icon to receive notifications when new streams and practice sessions are added. Please visit the Tergar Covid-19 resources page for news and resources for practice during this time. Reminder: Save the dates for online retreats with Mingyur Rinpoche. May you, your loved ones, and your communities be safe and healthy. Sincerely, Tergar Meditation Community