HAPPY LOSAR, Tibetan New Year, to everyone

[Eva Libre]

HAPPY LOSAR, Tibetan New Year, to everyone. May this new year bring newfound freedoms for the flourishing of Tibetan culture, language, expression and religion. May there be an end to war and may all beings experience peace of mind. To cultivate peace of mind, reduce incessant mental chatter. Incessant mental chatter drives us crazy. We tend to be speedy, driven by fear and anxiety – sugar, caffeine, and always running. While there is plenty to be anxious about, we are just hurting ourselves. Many times, throughout the day, take several slow deep breaths. Observe the inflection points between the in and out breath. Don’t change it. Just observe it. Also, observe the space between thoughts, assuming there is space. These are precious moments when mental chatter is stilled. Relax deeply. Look at the sky. Walk among trees, plants, flowers, birds and bees. Merge your mind with the sounds of birds singing. Observe the flow of your breath in and out at the base of nose. Become aware. Drop all clinging to yourself. Drop all clinging to external objects. Rest deeply. Stay alert without dozing off and without the distraction of mental chatter. Losar Tashi Delek, Happy New Year to everyone. Emaho!

Barry Kerzin