In the first two days we've tried to become more aware of when the worldly winds blow in our lives, and also look for ways we can respond more creatively and skilfully to them. Yesterday we made use of the "resolve" section of the urban retreat practice diary to help us with this. Today we are going to look at the "remind" section of that diary.

"resolve" and “remind” are the first two parts of a simple, really practical, nuts-and-bolts toolbox which I’ll be presenting during the retreat.  I’m hoping it will help you keep your practice on course day-to-day, in the midst of a busy life.  There’s three parts in all: resolve-remind-review, they’re designed to work together to help us create the conditions that support practice.  Support is very important: often we don't put sufficient supports in place and so our practice can run thin, or go off-beam.

So, as well as a clear "resolve" we need reminders to help us remember to practice when we're in the midst of busyness that can distract us from our deeper purpose, when the winds are blowing, or maybe when there's a storm. 

Reflection: Reminders
Here are three practical suggestions for reminders…

i) Slogans
Form your resolutions into really pithy (maybe even funny) slogans. Pin them up on your desk, or use those magnetic letters on your fridge to spell them out, or make them your computer screensaver for the week. You could also read books or poems, or listen to on-line Dharma talks, that are reminders of your true purpose.

ii) Rituals
Create rituals that also help to remind you. Perhaps have two-minute mindfulness breaks in your day. Or chant a mantra whilst walking to work, or every time you are using the lift at the office. During the International Urban Retreat lots of people will be chanting the Padmasambhava mantra. (There is more information on this in the suggested meditation section below.)At home, you can have readings and reflections that relate to and deepen your resolutions. Or wear something that reminds you of them, or create a special shrine.

iii) Friends
If you know someone else who is doing the urban retreat, then you could ‘buddy-up’ with them for a week or so, so you can talk to each other about your resolutions and progress in practising them. Make a date with them; don't just leave it that one of you will contact the other, as you know what will happen then! Meet for coffee, or chat on the telephone or, at the very least, text each other. Meeting and talking will also act as a reminder and a support.

Suggested Daily Practice:
Fill-in the "remind" section of the urban retreat practice diary and incorporate those reminders into your daily routine. You may be surprised what a difference it makes in enabling you to recall and carry-out your good intentions in the midst of daily life.

Don't forget you can also listen to the ten-minute talk each day - you should find it as one of the posts alongside this.

Suggested Meditation:
You might like to include the following dedication ceremony in your morning meditation practice – again reminding you of your resolve and providing inspiration for the day to come.

You might also like to chant the Padmasambhava mantra during the week, when you sit, but also during the day. Padmasambhava took the Dharma to Tibet, overcoming many obstacles and difficulties on the way. He is the master of transformation; it is said that the stronger the worldly winds blow, the stronger he becomes, as he is able to convert their energy into something inspired and positive. You can chant the mantra with that aspiration, or chant it asking Padmasambhava to help you. If you don't know the mantra, you can find out about it here, and listen to it being chanted.

INTERNATIONAL URBAN RETREAT 2011       

Dedication ceremony

For the benefit of all beings
For the happiness of all beings
With body, speech and mind,
I dedicate this day.

Abandoning harmfulness,
To kindness I dedicate this day.
Abandoning selfishness,
To sharing I dedicate this day.
Abandoning indulgence,
To contentment I dedicate this day.
Abandoning false speech,
To truth I dedicate this day.
Abandoning intoxication,
To clear awareness I dedicate this day.

To Buddhahood,
To Dharma,
To Sangha,
With the blessings of the Bodhisattvas,
For the benefit of all,
I dedicate this day.