A Fresh Start | Sr. Dang Nghiem

In this Dharma talk, the speaker emphasizes the practice of beginning anew and Love in Action. The retreat's theme encourages us to start fresh, not just in the new year but every day. The talk focuses on the importance of recognizing the potential energy within us, understanding that it influences our thoughts, speech, and actions. Just as a stationary object holds potential energy that can lead to movement, our inner state of being holds the energy that shapes our outward actions.

The speaker also introduces the concept of interbeing, symbolized by the Yin-Yang bean, which represents the interconnectedness of all things. They explain how our actions—whether mindful or not—carry long-lasting consequences, shaping both ourselves and the world around us. A key part of "beginning anew" is cultivating stability through mindful awareness, which leads to more positive actions.

The talk further explores the four steps of beginning a new:

1. Gratitude: Expressing thanks to ourselves for our efforts and qualities, recognizing that we are enough.
2. Regret: Acknowledging our mistakes with self-compassion and saying sorry to ourselves.
3. Expressing Hurts: Identifying and healing the hurts we carry, especially those rooted in childhood logic.
4. Resolution: Setting daily intentions for self-care, aligning our actions with kindness and mindfulness.

Throughout, the speaker encourages a shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, where we can recognize and appreciate what we have. The importance of mindful breathing and self-awareness is stressed as a means to anchor ourselves and break cycles of negative self-talk.