15 May A Gentle Path Through Difficult Times
I can’t believe it’s already May and we’re wrapping up another beautiful year together—I feel so much gratitude for this wonderful community we’ve created!
Brian Shiers led his final workshop for the school year: The Refuge of Wisdom: A Mindfulness Path to Thrive When Conflict and Division Threaten Our World.
Brian reminded us of a truth we often forget: that mindfulness is always here, quietly supporting us through all of life’s ups and downs.
Brian began by acknowledging the struggles we all face and asked what everyone else was dealing with. It was universal. Whether it’s AI, or tariffs – unexpected health issues or struggles in our daily lives involving family, school, and work – we are all being challenged together.
He shared how mindfulness grounds us, helping us remain clear and open-hearted even when we face difficulties.
Here are some reflections and insights from his talk:
- Seeing Clearly with Mindfulness
Mindfulness changes how clearly we see our lives. Calmness is just a nice bonus—it’s not the goal.
Mindfulness isn’t just about quieting the mind; it’s about softly noticing what’s truly happening inside us—our feelings, sensations, and thoughts.
By seeing ourselves with clear, loving eyes, we have more freedom to respond gently rather than reacting automatically.
- Stepping Out of Worry and Fear
When we’re stuck worrying, we lose sight of ourselves. Mindfulness helps us step back, creating room to respond differently.
Our thoughts often circle around fears and anxieties, causing us to feel tight or overwhelmed.
Brian reminded us that mindfulness helps us step away from these looping worries. By simply noticing our thoughts without being swept away, we create breathing room for peace and clarity to enter.
- Aligning Actions with Our True Hearts
Mindfulness helps us see clearly what actions we can actually take right now, aligned with who we want to be, letting go of what we can’t control
Mindfulness brings us home to ourselves, guiding us toward actions rooted in our deepest intentions.
Brian encouraged us to ask, “What can I actually do right now?”
This simple question helps us let go of the weight of what we can’t control, freeing us to live closer to who we truly are.
- Opening Our Hearts in Difficult Moments
We may find it difficult to love those who don’t always act in lovable ways…but this wall is located not in other people’s attitudes or conduct, but in our own hearts and minds.
— B. Alan Wallace
Brian invited us to remember compassion, even—and especially—in conflict.
It isn’t easy, but compassion is the quiet healer of our own hearts.
When we soften our hearts toward others, even those who challenge us, we begin to heal not only ourselves but also the space between us.
Looking Ahead
Brian and I are excited to host a cozy in-person mindfulness gathering and potluck weekend at my home in Studio City.
I’ll share more details with you soon—please stay tuned!
Thank you so much for sharing your presence, warmth, and open hearts this year. May your summer be filled with gentle moments and sweet rest. I’m looking forward to practicing together again when we return in the Fall.
Wishing you love and light always,
Chair, Harvard-Westlake Mindfulness Club