You Are Not Alone

We all at times have felt that we are all alone.  That there is no one else out there who understands us, who is interested in helping us, or who can help us.  And we feel dependent on someone to help us.  Some of feel this way more often than others.  And it is a feeling that is reflected in books and movies.  It is a devastating and anxiety-producing feeling.

The other night, I attended a Shambhala meditation and dharma session, and the talk was given by Joe Mauricio, a senior Shambhala teacher.  At the end of the talk, someone asked him what he should say to himself when he is experiencing a panic attack or other strong emotional moment.

Joe said that what he should say is, “I’m here for you.”  Don’t try to say anything complex, no dharma truths, because the mind in that state won’t hear anything you or anyone else says.  All the mind wants is some comfort and there is no better comfort that saying to yourself that “I’m here for you.”

When I meditated the next morning, I realized the deep wisdom of Joe’s advice.  It goes back to this feeling that we are all alone.  We are really all alone only if we are not there for ourselves.  If we are there for ourselves, we are never alone.  That is a simple lesson that we would all benefit from.