Cultivating an Inquiring Mind

In reading Richard Rohr’s Summary of Daily Meditation this weekend, I was reminded of the opportunity we have in coaching circles to help each other cultivate an inquiring mind, a willingness to let go of what is known, only long enough for a breath to bring us closer to our experience of what is arising in the moment. In our groups, this can happen in many ways such as slowing down the pace of questions, inviting a further look behind a quick answer or honoring the silence needed for deeper reflection.

The Summary features Tara Brach’s RAIN practice which is designed, in a few breaths, to contact and explore reactions or difficult emotions, in the same spirit as Gendlin’s focusing practice and Almaas’ open-ended inquiry. I see it as a way of helping coaching circle participants deepen their presence and their capacity to travel inwardly beyond their familiar surroundings. Here is how Tara Brach describes the RAIN practice:

“When you are caught in difficult emotions, the RAIN meditation can bring you back to a wise and compassionate presence. Give yourself a few moments to pause and turn inward.

R   Recognize what is happening. Mentally whisper whatever you are aware of: fear, anger, hurt, shame.

A   Allow. Let whatever you are feeling be here, without judging it, trying to fix it, or ignoring it. Simply pause and “let be.” You might whisper “This too belongs.”

I   Investigate. With curiosity, feel into your body—your throat, chest, belly. Discover where the emotions live inside you. You might gently place a hand wherever feelings are strongest. Sense what is needed or being asked for right now. Is it love? Forgiveness? Acceptance? Understanding?

N   Nurture. Offer care to feelings of vulnerability, hurt, or fear. Let the touch of your hand be tender, and send whatever message might most offer healing. You can imagine this coming from your own awake heart or from another being (friend, grandparent, spiritual figure, dog) you trust and love.

After the RAIN: Take some moments in stillness, simply sensing the quality of presence that has unfolded. Notice the shift from when you started (an angry or fearful or victimized self) to the compassionate awareness that is always here.”

Source: Tara Brach, Trusting the Gold: Uncovering Your Natural Goodness (Sounds True: 2021), 100–101.