Have you ever noticed that emotional turmoil often starts with a tiny spark? It could be a fleeting thought, a sound, or a sight that makes us feel either comfortable or uncomfortable. This is what is referred to as shenpa—the gentle hook that pulls us in.

Think of it like this: it's akin to wanting to scratch an itch. There's a pull, an energetic nudge, that immediately prompts a reaction. And the magic is, we don’t need to be seasoned meditators to catch this initial tug of "for" or "against." The key here is to remain as steady as a log when feeling that initial pull. Just be with the feeling, experience it fully, and resist the urge to feed that spark with more thoughts. It's all about embracing the restlessness of that energy without getting caught up in it.

By staying present with the rawness of our direct experience, emotional energy can flow without taking us over.

Remaining steady is not a walk in the park—it takes practice. But with time and dedication, we can become more adept at weathering mental and emotional storms.

So, the next time that initial tug is felt, remember to breathe, relax, and embrace the rawness. Because it’s in those moments of stillness and presence that true strength and resilience are found.

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