Awakening in 30 Steps is a series of contemplations on each of the lam rim steps from Dr. Miles Neale's book Gradual Awakening: The Tibetan Buddhist Path of Becoming Fully Human.

The lam rim is not a linear sprint to a final destination, it’s a spiral-like process of gradual awakening.

When we go over these reflections again and again, life after life, they make powerful imprints on our psyche. They never get old or outdated, they are the timeless wisdom of the Buddhas.

For each step you can share a photo and thought that inspires on instagram with hashtag #gradualpath to encourage and connect with others on the journey.

The purpose of this mini adventure is to:

1) Stay connected to the Dharma

2) Refresh our commitment to practice

3) Maintain community and continuity

4) Use social media mindfully

5) Inspire others

Photos don’t have to be literal, they can be free association. The point is that we use Dharma to tether our minds to virtue and social media to travel together.

Watch out for and work with the shadow snares and pitfalls of Instagram - competitiveness, worthlessness, jealousy. Try to enjoy and savor each morsel.