We were sitting a two-week Awakening Period in the spring of 2026. We gathered in the evenings to listen to our Teacher give Dharma teachings and exhort us to strive in our practice.
He was deep into the talk when he said, “Let me emphasize for the fourth time, because I’m concerned some people haven’t heard it,” and my ears perked up. He was talking about me.
He said, “The reason that your mind wanders is that your body is not happy. When your body becomes happy, your mind becomes calm.”
I’d been struggling and struggling, but upon hearing this I tried allowing my body to relax, and my mind did become calm. This helped my body become happy, and my mind could calm more. It was a relief.
It was easier to pay attention.