As 2024 draws to a close, I hope this season brings you moments of rest, renewal, and reflection.
In our final Inner Sanctuary session of the year, we turned our attention to the practice of sonomama (as-it-is-ness), reflecting on its profound benefits and challenges.
One of the greatest gifts of sonomama is the resilience it helps us cultivate—the ability to remain grounded even amid life’s turbulence. This practice empowers us to break free from reactive cycles and judgmental thinking. It teaches us to pause, step back from drama or negativity, and create space to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Doing so fosters curiosity and openness, replacing quick judgments with greater self-awareness and more profound realization.
The support of a sangha—a community of practice—adds another vital dimension. By sharing our perspectives and challenges, we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles. This sense of connection and mutual understanding strengthens us on our journey, encouraging growth and resilience.
Yet, as with any meaningful practice, sonomama comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to navigating our thoughts. At times, our minds can feel relentless, even overwhelming. The question naturally arises: how do we control our thoughts? The truth is, we cannot control them. Thoughts come and go as they please, and attempts to suppress or dominate them often amplify their presence. What we can do is choose not to stimulate them. By allowing thoughts to be—neither feeding nor resisting them—we create the space for them to pass naturally, like clouds drifting across an open sky.
Through consistent practice, we strengthen our ability to let those mental "hamsters" rest. Over time, this practice builds our capacity to make mindful decisions, cultivate emotional balance, and nurture a peaceful mind—one that is spacious and calm, even in the face of challenges.
As we prepare to step into the new year, Huayruro sends heartfelt wishes for a joyful close to 2024 and a peaceful beginning to 2025.
Comments