THE LIGHT LETTER
This is Bat Appreciation week so appreciate all the old bats out there.
This week I’ve been thinking a lot about distraction. The screen time stat shows how many times you pick up the phone in a given day. I average more than 150. That’s way too many for a man who gets 2 texts a day.
Bats symbolize rebirth. Suggesting that it’s time to let go of old habits and grow. So, in an attempt to grow, I’ve done a deep dive into how Buddhism approaches distraction.
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This Week’s Inspiration
This conversation has beautiful threads. I’ve highlighted a few but if you have time it’s worth a listen.
“Give me obstacles… Dealing with uncertainty is what helps you deal with anxiety. If you become more adept at dealing with the unknown, the unexpected, the unpredictable, then you develop a sense of confidence.“
“Having all the answers in the palm of your hand is not making us less anxious. It is making us more anxious because we are no longer making bad choices, discovering something-realizing we don’t like it. We begin to expect immediate, perfect answers for everything. Relationships and life don’t operate like this.“
“You only live longer and live better when you have meaningful relationships.“
I’m obsessed with this idea that you can give yourself permission to perform badly in order to get to the other side.
Inspiration Deep Dive: Distraction
In Buddhism, there is a being by the name of Mara. Mara represents the inner obstacles that keep us from awakening and contentment. Things like temptation, attachment, and the subtle pull toward comfort and distraction. The part of us that says, “I don’t want to feel this, let me check out.” The part of us, if you’re like me, that buries deep into a screen. It shows up as the urge to rush, to fidget, or to plan the day. When you read the story of Buddha, he struggled and fought against the temptations of Mara. It’s the same as when I curse myself after scrolling instagram for an hour when I should have been working.
Last week I highlighted this podcast. Gelong Thubten, a monk, explained meditation in a way that made it more appealing, accessible, and feel like less of an uphill battle. He discussed how a simple daily practice is like working out the mind. Giving you reps and reps of acknowledging your distractions. Noticing over and over again when your mind wanders away from your breath.
In the story, when Buddha reaches enlightenment, he puts down his fight with Mara and invites Mara for tea. He serves Mara as an honored guest and says “I see you Mara.”
Mara is most dangerous in the shadows. The consistent practice of noticing our distractions changes our relationship with Mara. We begin to see what is true and instead of pushing it away into darkness, or being a fair weather fan of ourselves, we sit and have tea with all of us.
Forrest’s Notebook
Pinecones and pumpkin spice candles
green tea and shelves full of books
photos of Hemingway and Bob Dylan overlook
pen to paper. pen to paper. I’m not sure I know of this
I try to write but all I see are decorations
the glass countertop reflects the leaves blowing in the wind
and I wonder if I’m empty or if I’m content
if there is a difference
or if I’m just not familiar with the silence underneath all this
settle down my ol’ friend
take a seat
but what if I like the rush beneath my feat
what if I like the movement
the knowing of what to do
and the having of something to think
instead of all this
space
settle down my ol’ friend
take a seat
you’ll stand again, that you’ll see
but what if
then what if
so i
so you
take a seat
my ol’ friend
next to me
Until next time,
Live your light.