The Buddha asks us in our meditation to know the quality of our mind, and to be able to identify whether the mind is caught or not caught, liberated or not liberated. It’s so easy to focus on the parts of our practice that are not quite right: the ways our mind still wanders, and the uncomfortable emotions we wish we didn’t have. It’s right to notice when the mind is caught, but also to not miss when the mind is actually free! Those moments after we notice we’ve been caught, and the mind automatically lets go because it doesn’t want to suffer—there’s a space there. It’s important not to miss that space, but to attend to it and reflect on it.
Kate Johnson
Spirit Rock Residential Teacher
Kate Johnson is a meditation teacher, facilitator, writer and mama. She offers classes and retreats integrating relational spirituality, social justice, somatics and creativity, and consults with organizations committed to equity, sustainability, and the practice of wise relationships. She is also the author of the book Radical Friendship.