February 19, 2026:
Contemplating Impermanence; The Three Dharma Seals
The Path of Emancipation, Parallax, 2000
Chapter 10 - Learning True Love - Pages 160 - 161

Chapter 11: Practicing the Three Dharma Seals - Pages 163-170

Verse 13:

Contemplating impermanence, I breathe in.

(Or:  Breathing in, I observe the impermanent nature of all dharmas.)

Contemplating impermanence, I breathe out.

(Or:  Breathing out, I observe the impermanent nature of all dharmas.)

Our practice sessions are open to anyone who would like to participate; there is no requirement to have attended prior sessions. 

Practice Exercises for February:

Review the secitions of the four Brahmaviharas. Journal about ways that you can practice to develop each of these energies in your daily life.

Think of a recent interaction you had that included the elements of loving speech and deep listening, either from yourself or from another person, and reflect on how that impacted the communication. 

Think about a recent situation when your speech or listening were not as mindful as you would have wished, and reflect on how you could do better in the future. Visualize how you might respond differently, what qualities you might bring to your listening, and the words you might choose to use. Have compassion and patience for yourself, becoming aware of the energies that pull you away from your aspiration to listen deeply and speak lovingly.

Pick a person in your life and set the intention to offer loving speech more often to them. Think about this person's good qualities and reflect on how you can water their seeds of happiness by speaking truthfully about what you respect and enjoy about them. 

Optional Recommended Resources

• Readings

  • • Awakening of the Heart: I Observe the Impermanent Nature of All Dharmas

    • The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching: Impermanence

    • Appendix One: Discourses on the Full Awareness of Breathing (Pgs. 261-276)

• • Video and Song below