Let it all go

When we sit and meditate the aim is to let go. Let it all go. The thoughts, the stories we tell ourselves, the planning for what we are going to do next, scenes from our past experiences etc, etc. Our brain is always developing stories, acting out scenes in our heads trying to prepare us for what may come next (that important conversation with the boss on Monday morning). The stories also help us make meaning out of what we are experiencing and give us a vehicle for sharing that story with others. This story telling is part of being human. But when we carve out time to meditate, or walk slowly, or chant, we want to give ourselves a break from all this chatter to uncover our natural, calm, still, Buddha nature. The great ones teach this letting go. Achaan Chah simply states "let things take their natural course." I posted a picture of the Grand Canyon as a reminder of how beautiful the landscape becomes when we let go and allow things (the Colorado River, wind, and rain) to take their natural course.