As we share a little meditative time with eyes closed, the stillness in each of us spills into our collective space. In our (optional) gazing practice we share that presence with one another. We are gently and easily building the crucible of mutuality, which will hold our sitting-together time.
A Trillium Awakening sitting is a remarkable opportunity: It’s surprisingly easy to follow and perhaps unravel one’s inner threads when others, with care and compassion - and without judgment - are holding us and honoring the value/difficulty/passion of this inner untangling.
You may come to a sitting with a heavy heart; or with something to celebrate; either is welcome; and both are welcome. Exploring how to hold both - also welcome.
I often begin by sharing a brief story, or an insight I’ve encountered, not so much to set a theme as to perhaps stir your own process. Sometimes we take a brief inward “journey” together, connecting with quieter parts of ourselves which we may have hurried past, or with “allies” in the soul’s journey; it’s an opening, a “just in case” -- there may be something that has been needing your attention, yet overshadowed by the usual activity that fills the days and weeks.
And then time to share. For each person who chooses, some time to tell the story, investigate its nuances, reflect on the meaning-for-me, notice what inner reactions arise (with or without speaking them). Time to really allow more of what’s within to come forward, to be seen and heard (even if only by yourself) without judgement. What is it that you tend to hold inside? For many it may be shame, or pain; but it can also be joy, love, pride!
From those of us present, you will receive attention, and open, caring hearts. You will receive compassion - the word itself suggests that we too have felt the passion of these deep elements, and are honoring the process you are moving through. You may request some reflection, from me (or from Cielle, who usually attends) or from anyone in the group, or you may request none; either is perfectly fine. We will not offer unsolicited advice, or try to “fix” a problem. And of course you may feel that you need to explore further, and arrange to get together at another time.
You may not feel to speak. This is perfectly fine. We are happy to hold you in your silence! We’ll do so with respect, honoring what is arising in you, and the inner process you are immersed in, extending our own quiet support on the level of Being and caring. As we do, we may notice what is being stirred in ourselves, places we are feeling emotion or reaction; we will hold those inner responses and do our best to recognize what is moving within ourselves.
We ask that you take this same holding stance toward others; it is a crucial aspect of the way of being together we call “mutuality.” As we practice this offering of presence and care together, we find that it becomes a skill we can give in many settings; not least, within ourselves.
http://teachers.trilliumawakening.org/JeffreyBackstrom/