Peace is the path

There is no path to peace.  Peace is the path.  For some of you, it has been one week of practicing peace and you have probably found that it can feel pretty muddy. Our minds can seem so crammed full of thoughts and burdens that even the idea that they could ever be clear feels laughable.  But just as muddy water becomes translucent with time and stillness, so will our minds.

Maybe the longest you've been able to focus on your breath was 8 minutes, maybe 3.  That's okay.  It's a practice.

You might notice that you spend the time on your cushion saying prayers or problem solving.  It seems harmless, even productive, and it does make the time go so much faster.  There can be a time for that, but not during your mindfulness practice--it muddies the waters.  It keeps us attached to the chaos and undermines the courage it took for us to come to the cushion in the first place.

You will find that moments of clarity become more and more frequent and last longer and longer.  For now, be diligent.  Be patient.