So last night I gave my first dharma talk. The process was such good practice in watching the tendencies of mind, specifically the voice of doubt. Doing something you are afraid to do, or that your insecurities tell you you can't do, really helps to shatter the sense of self, and our identities and beliefs. What a powerful practice this is.
Probably the most amazing part about the night was at the end when people shared their own experience. The room became this mirror, as we all reflected off of each other - reflecting our beauty, our strength, our fear. All these things I felt inside myself, I could now see in the eyes of those around me.
I was so terrified to begin my talk. So during the preceding meditation, I envisioned everyone around me - young people, old people, men, women, mothers, brothers, students, and CEO's. And I just gently reminded myself - I am that. There is no separation. I pictured everyone with their hearts on the outside of their chests. And I connected with this shared experience of being human.
It was beautiful.
