Held by Love, As We Are

Beneath the noise of restless thoughts,

the quiet presence of now gently breathes.

Without trying to change anything, without seeking anything,

there is a love that simply stays—as it is.

A love that embraces whatever arises, without judgment, without resistance.

Yes, even judgment and resistance are embraced.

Shall we gently entrust our hearts

to the kindness of sonomama (as-it-is-ness) meditation?

Maybe to soothe a restless mind, to find ease amidst anxiety or the swirl of future plans, or to touch a more profound sense of clarity.

And yes, these things may naturally arise.

But the true purpose of meditation is to remain with the reality of this present moment.

The only thing we truly have is this moment.

The past is a constructed story, and the future, a fantasy.

What is truly alive is only now.

To stay in this moment with mindful and loving awareness—

to allow every movement of thought, emotion, and sensation

to be just as it is—

This is an act of love.

A tender, unconditional love that does not push away or pull toward,

but gently receives everything.

This is the essence of sonomama ( as- it- is- ness) practice:

not trying to change anything, simply letting things be.

Even in the midst of thoughts, emotions, memories, and plans arising and fading away,

we sit as we are, allowing the freedom of the heart to move as it does.

This is a natural way of being—

an inheritance woven into the fabric of being human.

And it is love itself.

The love spoken of here is vast.

It is not sentimental, not dependent on preference.

It is the deep acceptance of whatever comes.

A love that quietly says: “This too belongs.”

Begin with a single breath.

Reset, and gently welcome calm and ease.

Notice the flow of experience.

And in time,

we become the loving presence of now itself.

By nature,

we are spacious—

and gracious—

held by love, and capable of holding all things in love.

Please join us and practice together. https://www.wearehuayruro.com/meditation

Not knowing? It’s okay.

words and photo by K E I K O

Note1

When we hear the words “unconditional love,” it may bring up associations like “letting things run wild” or “doing whatever you want.” That’s completely understandable—especially if you’ve had past experiences where your important boundaries were crossed. In such cases, “just accepting” something can actually feel unsafe or even harmful.

But the “unconditional love” I’m speaking about here is not about forgiving everything or suppressing what you want to say. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It means looking honestly at your true feelings—and at the other person’s reality—without judgment, just as they are.

And if, through that honest seeing, you find yourself thinking, “I want to say what’s really on my mind” or “I don’t want to keep holding this in,” then that, too, deserves to be received without judgment. Being true to those feelings is also a practice of unconditional love.

At the same time, thoughts like “Am I being selfish?” or “I’m probably not liked anyway” may arise. When they do, can you gently say to them, “It’s okay—you can be here too”? That, too, is a form of unconditional love directed toward yourself.

Even when your mind is spinning or caught in loops—that’s okay too.

Please hold every feeling with kindness and care.

Note 2

Just now, it occurred to me—Peacemaking Circles are, in a way, the embodiment of unconditional love. Whether we cry, laugh, feel angry, or worried—it’s all okay. The space of the Circle holds everything, just as it is.

Within that sense of safety, where we know we’ll be accepted no matter how we show up, the talking piece comes around, and we simply speak our truth. There is no need for reactions or responses. Everything is allowed to be, just as it is.

That, too, feels like a quiet yet powerful expression of unconditional love in motion.