inspired by a lecture given by dr. jill carroll at the jung center, houston. i am using this practice to more deeply understand my power in choice.

1. what are my three core values?
   • for example, currently mine are:
     • love, wellness & freedom
   • the practice here is to reassess regularly and in the context of relationship with both self and others.
     • for example, if you are married and are struggling with how to balance schedules with kids, work, partner, etc., might be useful to discuss and understand your collective values and reflect together on how time is spent and does your “busy-ness” prioritize your values or other things that really are not that important to you.

2. what is the source of my values?

• did i choose my value? or was it placed on me by my religion, parents, society, partner, etc.
• what are my spiritual reference points?
  • is there consciousness in the source of how i ground my life?

3. do i value my values?
   • what am i actually creating?
     • do my choices reflect my values? do my values reflect my choices?

4. do i have the capacity to rescind a value/choice if it is not aligned with my authentic self?
   • can i yield?
   • am i adaptable?
   • am i fluid?
     • where there is movement, there is life…
       • what did i learn from this choice/experience?

5. do i trust my authentic self?
   • what supports me when nothing supports me?

there is also choice in the practice of acceptance, as taught by viktor frankl…another post, forthcoming.

a note from jack kornfield:

When times are uncertain, difficult, fearful, full of change,
they become the perfect place to deepen the practice of awakening.
After viewing the elections…

Whatever your point of view,
Take time to quiet the mind and tend to the heart.
Then go out and look at the sky.

Remember vastness, there are seasons to all things,
gain and loss, praise and blame, expansion and contraction.

Learn from the trees.
Practice equanimity and steadiness.
Remember the timeless Dharma amidst it all.
Think of the best of human goodness.
Let yourself become a beacon of integrity, with your thoughts, words and deeds. Integrity in speech and action, virtue and non harming bring blessings.

Remember the Noble truths, no matter the politics or the season:
Greed, hatred and ignorance cause suffering. Let them go.

Love, generosity and wisdom bring the end of suffering. Foster them.

Remember the Buddha’s counsel,
“Hatred never ends by hatred but by love alone is healed.
This is the ancient and eternal law.”

The human heart has freedom in itself to choose love, dignity and respect.
In every circumstance, embody respect and cultivate compassion for all.
Let yourself become a beacon of Dharma.
Amidst the changes, shine with courage and trust.

Love people, and
This is your world. Plant seeds of goodness
and water them everywhere.

Then blessings will grow for yourself and for all.

Metta,
Jack

practice and more shall be revealed…!