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“Opening to Grace” (and beginner’s mind)

ByElizabeth

Capitol 9-09I took this picture the other day when I was walking to work.  I have seen TV cameras set up at this spot dozens of times to film news interviews.  I have seen tourists galore photographing each other.  I’ve seen a couple of photo shoots of brides and grooms dressed in their wedding clothes.   I’ve seen the fountain full of ducks or gulls.  I’ve seen it empty of water, with rain pelting on it to eliminate any reflection, in a blizzard, iced over, full of algae, as a play spot for dogs who like to swim, in fog, in beating down sun, with cherry blossoms floating on the water, and with waves from a strong wind.  Although (or more likely because) I’ve walked past this view hundreds of times in the 25 years I have lived on Capitol Hill and the 18 I have worked for the Department of Labor, I have never taken out my camera and photographed this incredibly photogenic spot.

When I took the photograph on this day when the reflection just happened to be perfect, it led me to see the spot the way tourists see it:  full of freshness and wonder, beauty, and excitement to be in this place that represents a certain mind-blowing type of power.  Reflecting on the act of taking the photo from my perspective as a resident, led me to think about the Anusara alignment principle of “opening to grace.”

One of the many aspects  of “opening to grace” is having a “beginner’s mind.”  What does it mean to have a beginner’s mind on or off the mat?  I think it means being open to new insight, to a sense of joyous discovery, to a feeling of fresh intoxication and wonder, no matter how many times we have done or seen something before.  How many times have you done lunge or downward facing dog?  Eaten a green bean or a potato chip?  Petted a dog?  Turned on a light switch?  Filled a glass with potable water out of the tap?  If it is the “same old, same old,” then you will lose the desire to practice and the possibility of growing.  But most of what we do, especially as we get older, is a repeat of something we have done before.  Grasping at new experience as a cure for boredom or jadedness will only make us unhappy.  If we can see each day with newly opened eyes, then we can find fulfillment in each moment and be better able to grow.  We will be open to ever deepening refinement and exploration within the space of our existence.

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    Dear MoveOn member,

    Today, President Obama formally announced the end of the war in Iraq, as the remaining 48,000 American troops in Iraq will be brought home by year’s end.1

    After almost nine years, the loss of more than 4,400 American troops and countless Iraqi civilian lives, and a cost of $800 billion that was badly needed at home, a war that should have never begun is finally coming to an end.2 It’s bittersweet relief from an ongoing tragedy—and for MoveOn members who lost loved ones, a very personal tragedy.

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    We can’t rest until all troops are safely out of harm’s way—and our veterans and families are given the support and care they deserve.

    Thanks for all you did to fight for this day and for all you do to fight for a safer, more peaceful world.

    –Justin, Carrie, Elena, Sarah, and the rest of the team
    P.S. You can see photos from years of MoveOn member work to prevent and end the war here: http://www.moveon.org/r?r=90208&id=32202-1983776-lxe54Jx&t=2

    Sources:

    1. “Obama announces full withdrawal from Iraq,” USA Today, October 21, 2011
    http://www.moveon.org/r?r=265907&id=32202-1983776-lxe54Jx&t=3

    2. “After Nearly Nine Years of War and Occupation, America to Withdraw All Troops from Iraq,” The Nation, October 19, 2011
    http://www.moveon.org/r?r=265893&id=32202-1983776-lxe54Jx&t=4

    3. Ibid.

    “Conservatives launch pre-emptive strike against Obama’s Iraq plan,” Foreign Policy, September 15, 2011
    http://www.moveon.org/r?r=265896&id=32202-1983776-lxe54Jx&t=5

    “A troop drawdown that would fail Iraq,” The Washington Post, September 16, 2011
    http://www.moveon.org/r?r=265897&id=32202-1983776-lxe54Jx&t=6

    Want to support our work? We’re entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.

    PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. This email was sent to Elizabeth Goodman on October 21, 2011. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

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