Reset and Resource: "Start Again"

Not being the most technically competent person, I have this profound respect for the reset button.

So you can imagine my delight to have finally figured out over the years, that we have our very own internal ones.

Our reset buttons are as numerous and unique as we are individuals and I love having conversations which enable us to share them.  I’ve decided therefore to do a series of postings which explicitly looks at how we reset and resource ourselves.

So in that vein, I am going to start with “start again” – the experience of a meditation teacher who first helped me consciously think about my reset button.

  

Anybody who has done the S.N.Goenka Vipassana will know what I am talking about, when I say…

“Start again”.

“Start again with a calm and tranquil mind. 

An alert and attentive mind

A balanced and equanimous mind”.

Part instruction, part inspiration, the phrase is delivered session after session, in his deep resonating voice. Slowly, deliberately, powerfully and playfully.

Designed to help us practise accessing the present, it reminds us that, in any moment, we can choose to reset.   There is always the opportunity to ...start again. 

Whether it be on the meditation cushion or in our daily lives, despite what has gone on before, what comfort or discomfort we may have experienced, how successful we were or weren’t, what thoughts or feelings we had or hadn't, at any time we can choose to press the reset button, and start again with new resolve, attitudes, behaviours and actions.

Goenka’s instruction draws from the teachings of the Buddha, including the concept of ‘beginner’s mind’ which encourages us to start afresh with whatever we face.     We learn to approach people and life’s events as if for the first time, without preconceived notions, assumptions and judgements.   We no longer operate from our automatic ways or react from what we know but lean into the openness and curiosity of the unknown.  We deal with what is in front of us, the reality as it is as opposed to what has happened or not happened in the past.

And when we find ourselves faulting, retreating back to our old ways, we reset, gently forgive ourselves, open our hearts and start again. 

For, from this moment, this starting point, we have 100% of our life left.  And that gives us plenty of options.

  

Notes:

Dedicated to all my Vipassana friends who have inspired and supported my practice, particulary Andreina, Pamela, Paola, Debbie, Isacco and Rachael.

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