I choose Quarantine!

Can I be with all of these mind states and hold them kindly within a wise heart? This helpful diagram is from the great meditation teacher Lorin Roche. 

This state sanctioned lockdown is either a perfect opportunity for all of us to go on a self guided meditation retreat, or we could go the other way, and turn this into a desperate journey of endless Netflix, unwholesome eating, indulgences and every possible means to avoid oneself. 

It could be some of both, more likely. During the next undetermined amount of weeks or months of sheltering at home, if any of us, on a daily basis, can take two steps forward and only one step back, that is the definition of outstanding success! 

A mental-spiritual "ordeal" moment is coming for all of us.Sooner later, most of us will hit a crisis point, whether you are choosing the path of evolving or devolving, these next few months. A tipping point comes, and there could be many tipping points, where you completely lose your mind, if you haven't hit one already. Frequent meditators become accustomed to this moment where the personality dissolves, or in the common vernacular, you lose your shit. Take heart. This too shall pass.

I love hardcore Vipassana meditation retreats when I prepare my mind body soul for weeks before hand. I consciously choose to make a commitment for a specific period of time to sit in meditation all day long and to go deeply inside. Living within a peaceful sanctuary, my body mind spirit is held by the support of many wise counselors, friends and experienced meditators. It is a great honor to accelerate spiritual growth within such circumstances. 

However, when the Rhode Island state police impose a mandatory quarantine, and the outside world of diversions and escapes is shut down, it is a different story. There doesn't seem to be any definite time boundaries to this Covid thing. The outside world appears to be completely unprepared, unglued and misguided. At the national level, no adult seems to be in charge. This is not at all like a Vipassana retreat; it is final exam time. 

I choose quarantine! Try saying that to yourself, it helps! I choose quarantine. I choose these circumstances. This is the absolute best thing that could happen right now for my awakening. Every moment is specifically designed for me to see through the illusions and distractions that I have set up around me. Right Now, this very moment. Can I skillfully navigate the feelings inside my body? Can I step back and see the mind states flickering across the screen of mind? Can I sit peacefully inside the rhythm of breath?

All the practice of whatever kind we have done up to this point is coming to fruition. We live in interesting times.