Imagine your mind totally free of craving, ill will, and delusion. It is clear, alert, and unaffected by external and internal conditions, whether pleasant or unpleasant. This liberated mind state is what comes with the cessation of clinging. When there is cessation, your mind no longer burns in response to the arising of pleasant and unpleasant in your life; it isn’t reactive or controlled by what you like or dislike. Your mind is willing to be with what is true in the moment and you are free to respond in a manner that is aligned with your values.

Dancing with Life, Chapter 14, pp. 155-156

For your reflection: To begin to understand cessation requires that you let loose of old beliefs you may have about yourself and the ultimate nature of awareness. Start to reflect on the possibility that your mind could cease to be visited by thoughts of greed or aversion. For one hour a day this week, notice each time desire or aversion arises and immediately drop it. What happens in your mind and heart once those thoughts are abandoned?