The judgment of my judgments

is enough for my habituated mind

to climb aboard the hamster wheel of

regrets, misdeeds and failings.

There is no way of getting off this carousel

this prototypical Hotel California

except for re-directing, with humor, loving-kindness and compassion.

Much like we do with young children.

More and more frequently

I observe my shenpa

laden like a Grand Canyon mule

with worry, fear, guilt, shame and most of all, judgment.

And label that shenpa as a scamp, a scalawag, a mischief-maker

but not as bad.

Learning to sit with my little, worried mind

And give it spaciousness and kindness

is like giving real food to an 8 month old baby:

ready for something to chew on and yet not ready to give up

the bottle and the breast.

Would we call a baby that gets food all over their hair, face, Grandma– bad?

Or just not yet skillful?

Minding my mind just takes patience and awareness.

Like allowing a beloved child to learn how to eat.

Lotus Ann, May 2010, 8 months old and ready for some food, already!

Minding the mind, part 1

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