September 2018 - Compassion Group Notes

If the heart is awake and clear, it can directly receive, radiate, and reflect the unmanifest divine Reality.

~Cynthia Bourgeault

 The sensuality of the body 

The ways in which we have been taught to ignore, shut down, repress, deny, and condemn the body.  Consider all the ways this occurred. It may be hard to remember and one way is start doing a simple practice of sensual delight. Draw up five columns with the headings:

Touch Taste Smell Sound Sight

 Now start noticing what gives you bodily pleasure and inner joy in each of the columns.  When you have about 50 items in each column you can start playing with creating combinations and devising small rituals of pleasure for yourself. Notice what judgments and discomforts arise in you. Even as you read this notice the dismissal of the idea within yourself. Notice your beliefs and self talk around such a simple task. Notice the guilt or even shame you feel at just “indulging” in the sensual pleasures that are for you to enjoy every day. For more… Read here