Welcome to the Practice Intensive, Emptying your Teacup.
For twelve days we will use our trusty recorders and phones to practice being a unique expression of the Intelligence That Animates.
Participation Goal
This is a self-guided R/L Practice Intensive. Each day, read the prompt first thing in the morning. You may want to print it out and post it where you will see it frequently, carry it in your pocket, or record it. Throughout the day, practice with this prompt. Record at least once what you see.
Today's topic: Day 1
Merriment
"What is this precious love and laughter budding in our hearts? It is the glorious sound of a soul waking up!" Hafiz
Synonyms for merriment: high spirits, zest, exuberance, fun, vivacity, gaiety, effervescence, mirth, glee ... ToDay, notice how Life is expressing itself as merriment all around you. R/L
Today's topic: Day 2
Grace
"I do not at all understand the mystery of grace — only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us." Anne Lamott
Today, recall and record your experiences of being transformed by the mysterious power of grace. Notice the many ways that the mystery of grace shows up during your day. R/L
Today's topic: Day 3
Gentleness
"Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars." Max Ehrmann
Today, stop and receive how gentle Life is. Practice being gentle to yourself — a child of the universe. Offer this gentleness to everything you encounter. R/L
Today's topic: Day 4
Kindness
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." Lao Tzu
Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. Pay attention to the myriad ways Life is kind. How are you embodying kindness? R/L
Today's topic: Day 5
Beauty
"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it." Confucius
Today, practice being someone who appreciates beauty. Notice what is beautiful in each thing you encounter. Record your ode of appreciation to all that is beautiful in your life. R/L
Today's topic: Day 6
Joy
"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy." Rumi
Throughout the day, record ways you experience Life's river of joy. Before you go to sleep, listen to and savor the recordings you made that reflect Life's joy.
Today's topic: Day 7
Acceptance
"All you must do is accept all that is unacceptable to you." Cheri Huber
Today, practice noticing how everything in life is acceptable to Life. What is your experience of widening the circle of acceptance? How can you extend unconditional love to something that feels unacceptable? R/L
Today's topic: Day 8
Humility
"True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." CS Lewis
Today, notice the perfection of all of Life and how the smallest of plants or insects play such large roles. What is Life like when you experience yourself as a part of life, just as precious and ordinary as everything else and playing the part you are called to play? R/L
Today's topic: Day 9
Unconditional love
"Unconditional love really exists in each of us. It is part of our deep inner being. It is not so much an active emotion as a state of being. It's not 'I love you' for this or that reason, not 'I love you if you love me.' It's love for no reason, love without an object." Ram Dass
Today pay attention to the many ways Life loves unconditionally. Notice the absolute lack of judgment in how Life loves you. R/L
Today's topic: Day 10
Tenderness
"Live in the wisdom of awakened tenderness. Tenderness awakens within the security that we are thoroughly and sincerely liked..." Brennan Manning
Today, practice awakening to the wisdom of tenderness. Open to receiving the myriad ways Life likes you and treats you tenderly. What is your experience of being cherished by Life's tenderness? R/L
Today's topic: Day 11
Delight
"For everything that lives is holy, Life delights in life." William Blake
Today, notice how Life delights in life. How does Life delight you? R/L
Today's topic: Day 12
Wonder
"A mouse is miracle enough to stagger sextillions of infidels." Walt Whitman
Today, notice, really see, just how miraculous Life is. Notice the marvelous in the ordinary. Witness the many unique expressions of Life animating all. R/L