The heat of a harnessed mind

The venerable Zen master and spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh in his book Peace Is Every Step likens anger, confusion, and other troubling emotions to raw potatoes, inedible in their current state, but subject to transformation when effort and intention are applied. In this analogy, we take those raw potatoes of our anger, frustration, and pain, place them in the pot of water of mindful practice, and cook them down until they're digestible. The pot represents our concentrated effort and intention, and the flame underneath is the state of mindfulness itself. With the heat of a harnessed mind, and the breath as a guide, we can be with all that is true in the moment, and find the compassion and the grace to act skillfully in its presence.

Friends, as we give thanks for the comfort and warmth of our own lives, perhaps serving up delicious mashed potatoes this week as I plan to do, we can also hold space for the heaps of raw potatoes across the world. Alongside gratitude large and small, may we each remember to face humanity's struggles with clarity and compassion, and implore the world to put down its guns and lift up its hearts.

With love and gratitude,
Annie Moyer and the Sun & Moon family