Real Peace by Lisa Dale Miller, MFT

I have uploaded a recording of the dharma talk I gave on Sunday September 18 at the Marin Sangha. This talk celebrates International Peace Day.
Download it here: http://www.lisadalemiller.com/RealPeace.xml
Download on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/real-peace/id467862491

That night I led a meditation reflecting on the benefits of a mind that has balance and equanimity. Below is the text so you can try it yourself.

Start by sitting with eyes open or closed. Let yourself bring awareness to the sensation of the weight of your body on the cushion or in the chair. Then bring the awareness to rest on the actual physical sensation of the body breathing in and out. Stay with breath as your object for a time until the mind has settled and the body is calm.

Then reflect on the benefits of a mind full of peace and equanimity in your daily life. Think of this quote from the Buddha, “There are those who discover they can leave behind confused reactions and become patient as the Earth, unmoved by the fires of anger and fear, unshaken as a pillar unperturbed as a clear and quiet pool.”
Reflect upon what a gift it would be to you, your loved ones, and this world to cultivate the equanimity of a calm mind and a peaceful heart. Allow your mind to rest in this reflection, allowing it to penetrate your mind and blossom into an aspiration for a peaceful mind, peaceful heart and peaceful action. “May I see the arising and passing of all things with equanimity and balance.”

Then open awareness and simply rest in the flow of experience for a time.

For more information on my work: www.lisadalemiller.com/mbpsych.htm
Visit my daily dharma blog: http://dharmamoment.blogspot.com/