Slogan #27

Work with the greatest defilements first.

We are serving up compassion today by adding our defilements to the cauldron. What are defilements you ask? Judy Lief defines them as: “patterns of thought, habits, and emotions that sap our energy and keep us from thriving. Defilements prevent us from awakening our wisdom or compassion. They pollute what is by nature pure, and block our instinct to grow and develop. They are powerful inner obstacles.” Slogan #27 is asking that we start with our greatest defilements; that is, begin with the emotions in which you feel most stuck. If you’re unsure of your particular brand of craziness, then refer to the Wheel of Emotions and identify your primary roadblocks to becoming more self-aware, self-compassionate and the best version of yourself. Obstacles like pride, addictions, fear, disgust, jealousy, and self-denigration are so vivid and dramatic that they have a penetrating quality to them. Consider righteous indignation and its attendant topography of bodily sensations such as waves of heat, pounding heart, pulsing pressure, rapid breath, and tense shoulders and neck.

Why are we emotionally and mentally stuck? Because we see our quirkiness and brokenness as defects that require suppression or acting out. Compassion training is the ultimate paradigm shift—our greatest obstacles become our personal superhero powers and portals to our greatest wisdom. Sutra 2.12 lists the five kleshas or poisons: greed, hatred, envy, anger, and fear as our defense against wholeness and intimacy. These emotions have the potential for both deep intelligence and deep destruction; they are indications that there is something in your reactions that requires attention and patience. Your greatest problems are catalysts to healing and transformation. So build capacity for presence. Practice tenderness and self-care strategies that allow you to turn toward yourself. Trust that you are not alone just as I trust that I am not alone. You are just like me and I am just like you. Rest in the space between stimulus and response. Herein lies the everyday magic of this practice.