What is holding you back?

What is holding you back anyway?

One answer to this question for all of us is DOUBT, one of the fabulous Five Hindrances that slow us, stop us and also serve as teachers on the path.

Here is how doubt works for me.

I doubt myself.

I doubt practice.

When I doubt myself, I just feel like things are pointless. This doubt unchecked quickly turns to despair. The best thing I can do when I doubt myself is to simply remember, something I am really proud of. Maybe I call a friend and ask her to remind me. Feel the doubt, but don't give into paralysis. We can't always exists in an inspiration terrarium.

When I have doubt about the Buddhist path, or one part of it, let's say meditation, I tell myself that by my sitting practice is foolish or useless.

I am lucky enough to have had teachers who taught me to sit no matter what. So I sit, even when I feel like a clown on a pillow.

For others, I realize that the doubt extends so far that you do not even get to the pillow, maybe not even once.

Sakyong Mipham recommends revisiting your inspiration for wanting to practice.

Ask yourself:

Why did I want to meditate?

Try not to doubt your answer and just sit for one minute.

JUST ONE MINUTE.

After, revisit the doubt and see what it feels like, looks like.

Report back.