Practicing True Love
A true love moment when my hubs slept with our daughter shortly after her birth
Here are some contemplations surrounding the practice of true love to help inspire you on a path of healing, transformation, and happiness for yourself, your family, and society. This post is inspired by the monastics from Plum Village Deer Park whom I recently practiced meditation with at the YMCA Estes Park in Colorado, USA. I am feeling called towards the practice of true love especially right now, as I grieve the recent death of my father, political turmoil, and contentious relationships in my extended family life.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings Overview
One aspect of the plum village deer park meditation retreat I attended was reciting, practicing, and meditating on what they call the “Five Mindfulness Trainings”. These trainings (or sutras or precepts) represent the Buddhist vision for a global spirituality and ethic. They are a concrete expression of the Buddha’s teachings and are meant to help us on the path of right understanding and true love, leading to healing, transformation, and happiness for ourselves and the world. When I read these trainings I felt like, “YES! THIS!”. The trainings put more concrete and succinct words and concepts to ways I’ve been trying to live most of my life. I am excited and committed to practicing these trainings with an online sangha (community) once per month and am slowly digesting them and seeing where I feel called to make adjustments in my life. I am attempting to share and practice each training here on my web home in case others are looking for thoughts and inspiration in this vain. I have separated each sentence out and highlighted key components. I’ve also added my two cents here and there in parentheses, because it helps it land better for me personally and perhaps it will for you too.
Third Mindfulness Training (Practice): True Love
The elk didn’t mind us meditating nearby while on retreat
Aware of the suffering caused by sexual (relational) misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society.
Knowing that sexual desire is not love, and that sexual activity motivated by craving always harms myself as well as others, I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without mutual consent, true love, and a deep, long-term commitment.
I resolve to find spiritual support for the integrity of my relationship from family members, friends, and sangha with whom there is support and trust.
I will do everything in my power to protect children from (sexual & all forms of) abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.
Seeing that body and mind are interrelated, I am committed to learn appropriate ways to take care of my sexual energy and to cultivate the four basic elements of true love – loving kindness, compassion, joy, and inclusiveness – for the greater happiness of myself and others.
Recognizing the diversity of human experience, I am committed not to discriminate against any form of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Practicing true love, we know that we will continue beautifully into the future.
Bonus Meditation Apps
Bonus! At the end of each mindfulness training post I am sharing a resource or tidbit that has helped me with my ongoing meditation practice. These meditation apps have some of the most wonderful teachers leading meditations and relaxations. I love that they have therapists on staff, some of the best teachers in the world, and so many options. These are great options if you need more guidance.
Insight Timer App. My favorite mindfulness teacher Steven Harper recommends this app.
Headspace App. A very popular app in general with lots of option.
Thanks for joining me on the path.
Photos from Earth, Our True Nature Retreat at Estes Park YMCA August 2024, https://deerparkmonastery.org/photo/earth-our-true-nature-retreat-photo-gallery/