Our worldly experience is comprised of three states; waking, dreaming and deep sleep. When awake or dreaming one can witness that they are awake or dreaming. Where is the witness when in deep sleep?
If someone watches you while you are in a state of deep sleep, they themselves are aware of the passage of time. For you though there is only nothingness. There is "no - thing" in that state of deep sleep. No conscious witnessing of body or mind. Peaceful, perfect and undisturbed.
Ponder how this may relate to the death of our body as a vehicle for consciousness.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Friday, August 3, 2007
Crisis or opportunity?
What now?
You may be faced with a crisis of some sort. Perhaps a major lifestyle change or personal loss.
There will be a tendency to question why this is occurring at this time and place. There are seldom suitable answers to these questions and that process alone is energy draining. You may feel unprepared to face a certain change. It can be overwhelming and anxiety causing.
It is vitally important at these times to remain quiet and depend on your inner resources. They may not have been tested to this degree before. This may be an opportunity in disguise. Our ability to respond appropriately at such times may later be viewed as crucial turning points.
Whether they be deemed positive or negative depends upon our ability to remain centered. Remaining centered, while easier said than done, is absolutely within your power. Beginning your day with a morning meditation will prepare you to respond calmly but decisively in any crisis you may face.
It is imperative to center yourself before the crisis hits, rather than reacting emotionally and trying to find your center afterwards. Scrambling back to find your calm center from that emotional state is very difficult indeed.
If you are centered when the metaphorical door closes shut, you will have the awareness to locate another opening that perhaps you had never noticed. Anger, panic and resentment effectively narrow your field of vision, while the absence of these creates a wide angle view and even allows for peripheral vision.
The world around you and the circumstances of your life will necessarily be ever-changing. Change is evidence of growth. What happens around you is often beyond your control however how you react to these inevitable changes is your choice.
Rest assured that the essence of who you are is changeless and timeless. Find this inner self daily and welcome change outside yourself and the accompanying new opportunities. Calmly see a new door open.
You may be faced with a crisis of some sort. Perhaps a major lifestyle change or personal loss.
There will be a tendency to question why this is occurring at this time and place. There are seldom suitable answers to these questions and that process alone is energy draining. You may feel unprepared to face a certain change. It can be overwhelming and anxiety causing.
It is vitally important at these times to remain quiet and depend on your inner resources. They may not have been tested to this degree before. This may be an opportunity in disguise. Our ability to respond appropriately at such times may later be viewed as crucial turning points.
Whether they be deemed positive or negative depends upon our ability to remain centered. Remaining centered, while easier said than done, is absolutely within your power. Beginning your day with a morning meditation will prepare you to respond calmly but decisively in any crisis you may face.
It is imperative to center yourself before the crisis hits, rather than reacting emotionally and trying to find your center afterwards. Scrambling back to find your calm center from that emotional state is very difficult indeed.
If you are centered when the metaphorical door closes shut, you will have the awareness to locate another opening that perhaps you had never noticed. Anger, panic and resentment effectively narrow your field of vision, while the absence of these creates a wide angle view and even allows for peripheral vision.
The world around you and the circumstances of your life will necessarily be ever-changing. Change is evidence of growth. What happens around you is often beyond your control however how you react to these inevitable changes is your choice.
Rest assured that the essence of who you are is changeless and timeless. Find this inner self daily and welcome change outside yourself and the accompanying new opportunities. Calmly see a new door open.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Courage to overcome your ego
You have a rather serious battle in front of you.
As you begin to be inner rather than outer directed, expect to face opposition from your persistent ego. That same ego that has been calling the shots all along. This ego's very existence is threatened when you rely on and take your cues from your inner self. With survival at stake, don't expect it to disappear without a fight.
It will take courage to recognize and stop responding to the ego's habitual demands. Courage is needed to lose yourself initially, in order to find yourself ultimately. Courage to trust in the infinite life force within, to direct your life.
There is no program to follow. There are no deadlines to meet. Continue to return throughout your daily activities to the awareness of the here and now. Become increasingly objective to and separate from your thoughts. Positive changes will begin to occur merely by practicing present moment awareness.
At times you will feel as if in uncharted waters. Fear may arise when you no longer operate in the world through your unconscious habitual patterns. Yet you may not trust fully in the inner self's ability to guide. At these times, witness the fear and clearly observe the separation of your self and the fear. "There is nothing to fear but fear itself" still assumes that fear must exist. There is still fear; of what makes little difference. Try rephrasing this as "there is nothing to fear including fear itself".
Have the courage to nurture and respond to your intuitive stirrings. The gentle urging that will occur when the mind is still will never lead you astray. Have the courage to trust in your inner self. You will be tested often, but your resolve will strengthen with each small success.
Courage will be required to keep still as you witness various disturbing thoughts and images that may arise during meditation. This is necessary to grow and move beyond. Stop allowing the ego to have dominion over your life. Decide now to be IN-spired. Only but a little courage is needed to allow the free flowing magnificence of the inner self. Keep your ego out of the way and allow the inner self to lead you on this wondrous journey!
As you begin to be inner rather than outer directed, expect to face opposition from your persistent ego. That same ego that has been calling the shots all along. This ego's very existence is threatened when you rely on and take your cues from your inner self. With survival at stake, don't expect it to disappear without a fight.
It will take courage to recognize and stop responding to the ego's habitual demands. Courage is needed to lose yourself initially, in order to find yourself ultimately. Courage to trust in the infinite life force within, to direct your life.
There is no program to follow. There are no deadlines to meet. Continue to return throughout your daily activities to the awareness of the here and now. Become increasingly objective to and separate from your thoughts. Positive changes will begin to occur merely by practicing present moment awareness.
At times you will feel as if in uncharted waters. Fear may arise when you no longer operate in the world through your unconscious habitual patterns. Yet you may not trust fully in the inner self's ability to guide. At these times, witness the fear and clearly observe the separation of your self and the fear. "There is nothing to fear but fear itself" still assumes that fear must exist. There is still fear; of what makes little difference. Try rephrasing this as "there is nothing to fear including fear itself".
Have the courage to nurture and respond to your intuitive stirrings. The gentle urging that will occur when the mind is still will never lead you astray. Have the courage to trust in your inner self. You will be tested often, but your resolve will strengthen with each small success.
Courage will be required to keep still as you witness various disturbing thoughts and images that may arise during meditation. This is necessary to grow and move beyond. Stop allowing the ego to have dominion over your life. Decide now to be IN-spired. Only but a little courage is needed to allow the free flowing magnificence of the inner self. Keep your ego out of the way and allow the inner self to lead you on this wondrous journey!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Clarity...not yet available in pill form
Definition: Clar·i·ty from the Latin claritat-, claritas, from clarus, the quality or state of being clear.
Need a little clarity?
Sorry, but it's not for sale. Unless you find yourself strolling the streets of the futuristic thriller "Minority Report", where a drug called "clarity" can be bought quite readily. Coincidentally or not, off screen the film's lead actor Tom Cruise espouses the creed of the Church of Scientology, where the goal is to become "A Clear".
According to Scientology and it's core technique Dianetics, "The goal of Dianetics is a new state for the individual, sought throughout history but never attainable before Dianetics. This state is called Clear. A Clear is a being who no longer has his own reactive mind.
A Clear is an unaberrated person and is rational in that he forms the best possible solutions he can on the data he has and from his viewpoint. The Clear has no engrams which can be restimulated to throw out the correctness of computation by entering hidden and false data."
Now is that very clear? At least Dianetics doesn't take credit for the creation of this state called "Clear" (after all who can create a state of being?) yet until their arrival, this state was "never attainable". It's akin to saying "until you buy my map to San Antonio, you can't get there".
This Church goes on to pronounce that "The full glory of the state of Clear has no comparable description in any writings existing in our culture. The state had been long sought but was impossible to achieve without the researches and breakthroughs of L. Ron Hubbard."
It's a wonder anyone found contentment pre-Hubbard.
Do you want clarity? You won't come to it intellectually. No one can give it to you even if they tell you they are the only ones that offer it. To see yourself and others with clarity, you must first be very still.
The mind is as a body of water. If the water is turbulent then the surface reflection will be choppy and distorted. If the water is still, the reflection is clearly witnessed. It is imperative to first still the mind before a state of clarity can arrive.
Use whatever contemplative method/prayer/technique is most effective in quieting the mind. If you need a simple technique try the one located here.
There is no timetable to follow here. There is no need to judge your progress. Your ego wants you to master the mediation process quickly. It is not a game to be mastered but rather a process that with the passage of time and discipline, will become effortless and your ability to still your mind will increase.
When you are truly in the moment, fear and worry cannot touch you for they require past and future thought. Anticipating future events and the consequences of your past actions, catapults you from the safety of the present.
Once knocked off balance and removed from your center, these images you speak of now absorb your attention. You then come under their hypnotic power. Should this occur, simply realize it is happening and return to the present moment. This will occur countless times so don't keep a scorecard.
Move towards clarity while ever realizing it is process. In every moment there is potential for insight and growth. The map needed is gratefully already inside you. Know that you most certainly can get there from here.
You can always choose to make sure that you have "no engrams which can be restimulated to throw out the correctness of computation by entering hidden and false data" if that brings more clarity instead of confounding. Then again, when the Psalmist of the Old Testament says "Be still, and know that I am God..." the words are clarity itself.
Need a little clarity?
Sorry, but it's not for sale. Unless you find yourself strolling the streets of the futuristic thriller "Minority Report", where a drug called "clarity" can be bought quite readily. Coincidentally or not, off screen the film's lead actor Tom Cruise espouses the creed of the Church of Scientology, where the goal is to become "A Clear".
According to Scientology and it's core technique Dianetics, "The goal of Dianetics is a new state for the individual, sought throughout history but never attainable before Dianetics. This state is called Clear. A Clear is a being who no longer has his own reactive mind.
A Clear is an unaberrated person and is rational in that he forms the best possible solutions he can on the data he has and from his viewpoint. The Clear has no engrams which can be restimulated to throw out the correctness of computation by entering hidden and false data."
Now is that very clear? At least Dianetics doesn't take credit for the creation of this state called "Clear" (after all who can create a state of being?) yet until their arrival, this state was "never attainable". It's akin to saying "until you buy my map to San Antonio, you can't get there".
This Church goes on to pronounce that "The full glory of the state of Clear has no comparable description in any writings existing in our culture. The state had been long sought but was impossible to achieve without the researches and breakthroughs of L. Ron Hubbard."
It's a wonder anyone found contentment pre-Hubbard.
Do you want clarity? You won't come to it intellectually. No one can give it to you even if they tell you they are the only ones that offer it. To see yourself and others with clarity, you must first be very still.
The mind is as a body of water. If the water is turbulent then the surface reflection will be choppy and distorted. If the water is still, the reflection is clearly witnessed. It is imperative to first still the mind before a state of clarity can arrive.
Use whatever contemplative method/prayer/technique is most effective in quieting the mind. If you need a simple technique try the one located here.
There is no timetable to follow here. There is no need to judge your progress. Your ego wants you to master the mediation process quickly. It is not a game to be mastered but rather a process that with the passage of time and discipline, will become effortless and your ability to still your mind will increase.
When you are truly in the moment, fear and worry cannot touch you for they require past and future thought. Anticipating future events and the consequences of your past actions, catapults you from the safety of the present.
Once knocked off balance and removed from your center, these images you speak of now absorb your attention. You then come under their hypnotic power. Should this occur, simply realize it is happening and return to the present moment. This will occur countless times so don't keep a scorecard.
Move towards clarity while ever realizing it is process. In every moment there is potential for insight and growth. The map needed is gratefully already inside you. Know that you most certainly can get there from here.
You can always choose to make sure that you have "no engrams which can be restimulated to throw out the correctness of computation by entering hidden and false data" if that brings more clarity instead of confounding. Then again, when the Psalmist of the Old Testament says "Be still, and know that I am God..." the words are clarity itself.
Monday, July 30, 2007
A LITTLE 'BUT'. DON'T BLINK OR YOU'LL MISS IT!
but \But\ 1. A limit; a boundary.
The last blog post dealt with boundaries. Now let's simply look at the word 'but'.
I am ready. Staying with a thought or feeling the expression is straightforward, direct and true. True that is, until negated by the dreaded 'but'. The expression hits a solid wall with 'but'. "I really want to learn to ski 'but' i just don't have the time."
Stop the self-con game. Stop tiring yourself and your listeners. Better to say "I ain't skiing" and move on.
Now let's look at the word 'and'. The difference is monumental.
I would like to learn to ski 'and' I just don't have the time. Both this 'and' that are true expressions of what is. They clash. Conflict is created.
The difference? With 'and' there is potential. There is room to move. With 'and' there is an opening, an opportunity. A solution. A basis for negotiation. No one has left the table.
Where can I find more time? How strong is my desire to ski? Is this desire intrinsic or is everyone else doing it? If only a minor schedule adjustment seems so daunting, why hold on to the skiing fantasy? Better to say "I ain't skiing" and move on to your daytimer.
Watch and free yourself from the tyranny of 'but'. It may be exhausting at first. Let your expression be true. Commit to stopping the 'but', 'and' with patience either the solution to express your desire will appear or you'll realize it lacks genuine depth.
The last blog post dealt with boundaries. Now let's simply look at the word 'but'.
I am ready. Staying with a thought or feeling the expression is straightforward, direct and true. True that is, until negated by the dreaded 'but'. The expression hits a solid wall with 'but'. "I really want to learn to ski 'but' i just don't have the time."
Stop the self-con game. Stop tiring yourself and your listeners. Better to say "I ain't skiing" and move on.
Now let's look at the word 'and'. The difference is monumental.
I would like to learn to ski 'and' I just don't have the time. Both this 'and' that are true expressions of what is. They clash. Conflict is created.
The difference? With 'and' there is potential. There is room to move. With 'and' there is an opening, an opportunity. A solution. A basis for negotiation. No one has left the table.
Where can I find more time? How strong is my desire to ski? Is this desire intrinsic or is everyone else doing it? If only a minor schedule adjustment seems so daunting, why hold on to the skiing fantasy? Better to say "I ain't skiing" and move on to your daytimer.
Watch and free yourself from the tyranny of 'but'. It may be exhausting at first. Let your expression be true. Commit to stopping the 'but', 'and' with patience either the solution to express your desire will appear or you'll realize it lacks genuine depth.
Boundaries
Boundaries - n- bound-a-ry plr. bound-a-ries
Definition: Something that indicates a border or limit. The border or limit so indicated.
We seek to communicate with each other. To find a place, a common place, where we can genuinely communicate and touch one another. There is a natural boundary between you and me. A boundary between me and all that is not-me. A boundary between you and all that is not-you.
Only by crossing this boundary, can we truly meet. In this place the you and I merge into a new "we". We both change and grow and a new boundary is created between the "we" and the "not-we".
This "we" will naturally flow and grow unless one, or both of the you and me that makes up the "we" seek the security of the known and predictable. If we insist on holding tightly to preconceptions, prejudices and fear the unknown, then the boundary between you and me remains impervious.
Each of us moves about and has our being in relation to our environment. There is a boundary that separates the inside from the outside. There is our self and there is also all that which is other than our self. There is the me and the not-me. There is also an ever-changing boundary that separates the me from the not-me.
Our egos end where the environment begins. When we desire that which is in the environment but lack the inner support and constitution necessary to fulfill the desire, we often try to manipulate and control the environment. Instead of flowing naturally, this artificial manipulation frustrates because real contact necessarily depends on a sincere spirit.
In a myriad of ways every moment, I either identify with and am attracted to, or disassociate from and am repulsed by that outside myself. When we consider the uniqueness of each individual, it is easy to see how rare genuine contact can be.
Let's take the simplest of examples involving say....blueberries. I like blueberries. I desire blueberries. So I choose to take those blueberries over there (outside the boundary of me) and bring them into me. It is my desire and within my means and inclination to make the blueberries a part of me.
I venture beyond the boundary of me into the not-me to fulfill this need, this desire. Now the previously not-me blueberries have joined me. The blueberries and me are now "we". In a natural manner, I had to genuinely like blueberries in order to desire to make them "like me" or "as me" or a part of me.
There is the experience inside me; in here. I also observe the experience of that outside me; over there. If my sense of me is disturbed, damaged or has never been allowed to mature, then I may feel lack.
At that time something outside of me but clearly not-me, may become so strong in my need to fill the void, that my compromised sense of self takes it to actually be me. I seek to find my missing identity in this not-me. It may be a career. Money. A group. A person.
Sometimes one can identify so strongly with this "not me" that one can take it to be "me", even though the above mentioned can never be me, like say a blueberry can.
All is seemingly well, until circumstances cause one to lose this career, this money, this group or this person. The identification is (was) so strong, that there is no longer any me left. There is no identity.
We have all observed those individuals who are seemingly without boundaries. I am not referring to the fluid ego boundary of the healthy person but rather one who during the vulnerable development and maturation of the self, had their still fragile boundary violated and crossed with force. This violation can so shake the burgeoning sense of self that the boundary between what is them and what is not-them becomes fragmented and distorted.
Being unable to help but resent this violation, it is empowered and keeps that which is not-them alive. Unconsciously ingesting and now holding something that is not-them as if it were part of them, they will desperately seek to find satisfaction outside themselves.
A subconscious pursuit begins to find completion in others who have been violated themselves. Seeking to join the "not-them" inside with the "not-them" inside others only results in the coupling of two who are not themselves, often with tragic results and heartbreak.
Difficulties can also arise when the inner self is compromised by multiple boundaries created within. "These parts of me I like and accept; these parts I don't and reject". During this split, one may disown or repress feelings and thoughts but they will eventually surface elsewhere like the dream state and in behavior where awareness is otherwise dimmed. Genuine contact between those who are fragmented in this manner is extremely difficult and the resulting impact is seen in the disharmony all around us. Just look. Just listen.
Inside. Outside. Boundary between. Inside is support, comfort and familiarity. Outside is strangeness, risk and insecurity. There must always be boundaries by necessity. Differentiating. Attraction to and repelling from. Like me and not like-me. A constant need to venture beyond one's boundary to meet needs. To breathe. To satisfy. To complete. To fulfill. It is the very flow of life.
With courage and trust, each of us can choose to let another completely inside our boundaries. The beauty of such honest contact can create a oneness of unspeakable joy.
Definition: Something that indicates a border or limit. The border or limit so indicated.
We seek to communicate with each other. To find a place, a common place, where we can genuinely communicate and touch one another. There is a natural boundary between you and me. A boundary between me and all that is not-me. A boundary between you and all that is not-you.
Only by crossing this boundary, can we truly meet. In this place the you and I merge into a new "we". We both change and grow and a new boundary is created between the "we" and the "not-we".
This "we" will naturally flow and grow unless one, or both of the you and me that makes up the "we" seek the security of the known and predictable. If we insist on holding tightly to preconceptions, prejudices and fear the unknown, then the boundary between you and me remains impervious.
Each of us moves about and has our being in relation to our environment. There is a boundary that separates the inside from the outside. There is our self and there is also all that which is other than our self. There is the me and the not-me. There is also an ever-changing boundary that separates the me from the not-me.
Our egos end where the environment begins. When we desire that which is in the environment but lack the inner support and constitution necessary to fulfill the desire, we often try to manipulate and control the environment. Instead of flowing naturally, this artificial manipulation frustrates because real contact necessarily depends on a sincere spirit.
In a myriad of ways every moment, I either identify with and am attracted to, or disassociate from and am repulsed by that outside myself. When we consider the uniqueness of each individual, it is easy to see how rare genuine contact can be.
Let's take the simplest of examples involving say....blueberries. I like blueberries. I desire blueberries. So I choose to take those blueberries over there (outside the boundary of me) and bring them into me. It is my desire and within my means and inclination to make the blueberries a part of me.
I venture beyond the boundary of me into the not-me to fulfill this need, this desire. Now the previously not-me blueberries have joined me. The blueberries and me are now "we". In a natural manner, I had to genuinely like blueberries in order to desire to make them "like me" or "as me" or a part of me.
There is the experience inside me; in here. I also observe the experience of that outside me; over there. If my sense of me is disturbed, damaged or has never been allowed to mature, then I may feel lack.
At that time something outside of me but clearly not-me, may become so strong in my need to fill the void, that my compromised sense of self takes it to actually be me. I seek to find my missing identity in this not-me. It may be a career. Money. A group. A person.
Sometimes one can identify so strongly with this "not me" that one can take it to be "me", even though the above mentioned can never be me, like say a blueberry can.
All is seemingly well, until circumstances cause one to lose this career, this money, this group or this person. The identification is (was) so strong, that there is no longer any me left. There is no identity.
We have all observed those individuals who are seemingly without boundaries. I am not referring to the fluid ego boundary of the healthy person but rather one who during the vulnerable development and maturation of the self, had their still fragile boundary violated and crossed with force. This violation can so shake the burgeoning sense of self that the boundary between what is them and what is not-them becomes fragmented and distorted.
Being unable to help but resent this violation, it is empowered and keeps that which is not-them alive. Unconsciously ingesting and now holding something that is not-them as if it were part of them, they will desperately seek to find satisfaction outside themselves.
A subconscious pursuit begins to find completion in others who have been violated themselves. Seeking to join the "not-them" inside with the "not-them" inside others only results in the coupling of two who are not themselves, often with tragic results and heartbreak.
Difficulties can also arise when the inner self is compromised by multiple boundaries created within. "These parts of me I like and accept; these parts I don't and reject". During this split, one may disown or repress feelings and thoughts but they will eventually surface elsewhere like the dream state and in behavior where awareness is otherwise dimmed. Genuine contact between those who are fragmented in this manner is extremely difficult and the resulting impact is seen in the disharmony all around us. Just look. Just listen.
Inside. Outside. Boundary between. Inside is support, comfort and familiarity. Outside is strangeness, risk and insecurity. There must always be boundaries by necessity. Differentiating. Attraction to and repelling from. Like me and not like-me. A constant need to venture beyond one's boundary to meet needs. To breathe. To satisfy. To complete. To fulfill. It is the very flow of life.
With courage and trust, each of us can choose to let another completely inside our boundaries. The beauty of such honest contact can create a oneness of unspeakable joy.
A very long day
Laugh at your fears.
They want you to forget that your time here is limited.
If today was your last; what would you fear? Imagine how fearless you'd be!
And because all is relative, try seeing life as a very long day.
They want you to forget that your time here is limited.
If today was your last; what would you fear? Imagine how fearless you'd be!
And because all is relative, try seeing life as a very long day.
Dealing with anxiety
Do you ever experience anxiety?
When anxiety appears, is it free-floating or is there a specific person, place or thing that triggers its emergence?
Anxiety can only occur when you choose to leave the safe haven of the here and now. Before long you may get caught up in your fertile imagination and the catastrophic ideas it holds.
Staying in the now is paramount. Once you have trained yourself to actually witness the anxiety and remain objective to it, immediately its power over you will diminish.
Once you are able to free yourself of memories and anticipation, what is left for you to fear? Try to remain in the gap which occurs between having your attention on one thought and yet not quite being attached to the next one. Carefully step into this gap and attempt to stay there for as long as possible!
Be ever aware that the past and future exist in the mind only and you are able to observe your mind, therefore you are not your mind. Reality exists only in the now.
When you awake from a nightmare you immediately realize it was only a nightmare but while you are trapped inside it seems very real indeed. Start seeing the nightmare (or the dream for that matter) for what it is. Wake up!
The life energy that was previously used to suppress and wage war against those persistent negative thoughts and fears, can now be freed up to energize the true self!
You must be disciplined enough (and it will come with time and practice) to disassociate yourself from destructive thoughts by using the observation technique by clicking here.
While using the technique don't fight or wrestle with your thoughts. Don't try to avoid seeing them, rather attempt to view them in a dispassionate manner. Detachment will eventually lead to freedom from that which you are presently a slave. No special knowledge or advanced training is needed to accomplish this goal. You already have all that you require within.
Give up the futile striving of the ego that continually fails you and return to the inner self. There is really nothing else that needs to be done. You have already arrived; there is nowhere to go.
Although you exist as a person within the material world, that which is within you (the observer) and witnesses all that occurs, is infinite. Realize this and bring it to your morning meditation and other moments of solitude.
That is your true self. Pursue this diligently and with patience and sincerity. Refuse to judge your progress, as that is evidence that your ego is still involved.
It has been estimated that we have anywhere from sixty to seventy thousand thoughts daily. The problem arises when it is discovered that these thoughts are often of a self-defeating nature and we already thought them yesterday, last week, last year, even in the last decade! Begin to rid yourself of these often destructive, habitual thoughts by practicing this technique.
When all the false ideas you still hold about yourself are gradually given up, the true self will be revealed. You can still continue with all your daily duties and responsibilities while allowing yourself time to meditate and get centered daily.
When anxiety appears, is it free-floating or is there a specific person, place or thing that triggers its emergence?
Anxiety can only occur when you choose to leave the safe haven of the here and now. Before long you may get caught up in your fertile imagination and the catastrophic ideas it holds.
Staying in the now is paramount. Once you have trained yourself to actually witness the anxiety and remain objective to it, immediately its power over you will diminish.
Once you are able to free yourself of memories and anticipation, what is left for you to fear? Try to remain in the gap which occurs between having your attention on one thought and yet not quite being attached to the next one. Carefully step into this gap and attempt to stay there for as long as possible!
Be ever aware that the past and future exist in the mind only and you are able to observe your mind, therefore you are not your mind. Reality exists only in the now.
When you awake from a nightmare you immediately realize it was only a nightmare but while you are trapped inside it seems very real indeed. Start seeing the nightmare (or the dream for that matter) for what it is. Wake up!
The life energy that was previously used to suppress and wage war against those persistent negative thoughts and fears, can now be freed up to energize the true self!
You must be disciplined enough (and it will come with time and practice) to disassociate yourself from destructive thoughts by using the observation technique by clicking here.
While using the technique don't fight or wrestle with your thoughts. Don't try to avoid seeing them, rather attempt to view them in a dispassionate manner. Detachment will eventually lead to freedom from that which you are presently a slave. No special knowledge or advanced training is needed to accomplish this goal. You already have all that you require within.
Give up the futile striving of the ego that continually fails you and return to the inner self. There is really nothing else that needs to be done. You have already arrived; there is nowhere to go.
Although you exist as a person within the material world, that which is within you (the observer) and witnesses all that occurs, is infinite. Realize this and bring it to your morning meditation and other moments of solitude.
That is your true self. Pursue this diligently and with patience and sincerity. Refuse to judge your progress, as that is evidence that your ego is still involved.
It has been estimated that we have anywhere from sixty to seventy thousand thoughts daily. The problem arises when it is discovered that these thoughts are often of a self-defeating nature and we already thought them yesterday, last week, last year, even in the last decade! Begin to rid yourself of these often destructive, habitual thoughts by practicing this technique.
When all the false ideas you still hold about yourself are gradually given up, the true self will be revealed. You can still continue with all your daily duties and responsibilities while allowing yourself time to meditate and get centered daily.
Antidote for depression
When your inner self is left vulnerable to the whims of your fertile imagination, trouble will likely ensue. Your mind will remain in control only to the degree that you are unable to separate from its images and be inner directed instead.
Whenever depression begins to get a grip on you, it is imperative that you sit still and calm your mind. From this point of stillness, watch the myriad of images and thoughts pass by the field of vision of your mind's eye.
Thoughts of worthlessness, insecurities, past failures, regrets and resentments will emerge. Watch these troubles objectively, as if sitting on the river's edge watching a leaf being carried downstream. You remain outside of and separate from the river, watching but unaffected by its swift current. In the same fashion, stay separate from the often powerful stream of negative thoughts and images that flow by your inner vision.
Stay out of this current while remaining ever watchful and respectful of its force, but never resenting what you may see. Resentment binds one to the thought or image.
By detaching from these negative thoughts and dispassionately viewing them, you will be released from their further control. Do not struggle with these thoughts. Diligently remain separate and objective and the depression shall lift.
Particularly note those negative thoughts and images which are repetitive. Choose to refuse to allow these habitual thoughts to continue to have impact on your day to day activities any longer.
Realize this potentially life altering truth. This choice is yours to make. Realize the power only you possess to choose which thoughts you will allow to permeate your being and shape your reality. Realize that the thoughts you hold from moment to moment, shape your experience and ultimately your destiny.
Truly realize this and take action now! Commit to practicing the morning meditation technique found here.
Whenever depression begins to get a grip on you, it is imperative that you sit still and calm your mind. From this point of stillness, watch the myriad of images and thoughts pass by the field of vision of your mind's eye.
Thoughts of worthlessness, insecurities, past failures, regrets and resentments will emerge. Watch these troubles objectively, as if sitting on the river's edge watching a leaf being carried downstream. You remain outside of and separate from the river, watching but unaffected by its swift current. In the same fashion, stay separate from the often powerful stream of negative thoughts and images that flow by your inner vision.
Stay out of this current while remaining ever watchful and respectful of its force, but never resenting what you may see. Resentment binds one to the thought or image.
By detaching from these negative thoughts and dispassionately viewing them, you will be released from their further control. Do not struggle with these thoughts. Diligently remain separate and objective and the depression shall lift.
Particularly note those negative thoughts and images which are repetitive. Choose to refuse to allow these habitual thoughts to continue to have impact on your day to day activities any longer.
Realize this potentially life altering truth. This choice is yours to make. Realize the power only you possess to choose which thoughts you will allow to permeate your being and shape your reality. Realize that the thoughts you hold from moment to moment, shape your experience and ultimately your destiny.
Truly realize this and take action now! Commit to practicing the morning meditation technique found here.
Where are you during anesthesia?
A subscriber to our newsletter recently posed a very thoughtful question.
Although he was almost convinced that there is something more to us than body and mind (by the mere fact that we can observe the body and the mind which must involve an "it" that does the observing), he asked why this "it" remains subject to external influences?
He cited general anesthesia which "knocks us out during an operation. It goes black and that's that. We wake up after, and for a few short moments we do not know who we are, where we are or why we are".
He questioned; "If there is something else, why is it also affected by general anesthesia and not able to be separate to which is happening during an operation?"
To respond in a meaningful way, we must examine the origin of the word anesthesia. We find it is from the Greek - anaisth sia - which means "lack of sensation".
Even though our sensory abilities are suspended at this time, we clearly still exist, as evidenced by the passage of time and witnesses to the event. If one were to rely solely on the mind in this instance, one would genuinely state that one did not exist. We have no memory of the event but this does not preclude any type of awareness. There was awareness enough to continue respiration, blood flow, temperature regulation, and so on.
If I were to ask you to recall what you were specifically aware of at 7:03 pm on the 15th of last month, it is likely your memory would fail you. The mind and in turn the memory are not infallible.
Perhaps you have even had the experience of driving a long distance and suddenly being aware that you have been so preoccupied that you do not recall the last 5 miles which you clearly had the awareness to navigate! Or the last 5 pages of a book you are finding terribly boring which you nonetheless used your eye movements to scan and recognize words. There was certainly an ongoing level of awareness during these examples, yet our memory betrays us.
Going further, a non-dualist would say that the past and future exist in the mind only and are bound by time and space. That in reality all is one and all is here and now. The law of cause and effect is still in the mind only, but you are not your mind. By this definition, anesthesia would be in the mind only.
Although he was almost convinced that there is something more to us than body and mind (by the mere fact that we can observe the body and the mind which must involve an "it" that does the observing), he asked why this "it" remains subject to external influences?
He cited general anesthesia which "knocks us out during an operation. It goes black and that's that. We wake up after, and for a few short moments we do not know who we are, where we are or why we are".
He questioned; "If there is something else, why is it also affected by general anesthesia and not able to be separate to which is happening during an operation?"
To respond in a meaningful way, we must examine the origin of the word anesthesia. We find it is from the Greek - anaisth sia - which means "lack of sensation".
Even though our sensory abilities are suspended at this time, we clearly still exist, as evidenced by the passage of time and witnesses to the event. If one were to rely solely on the mind in this instance, one would genuinely state that one did not exist. We have no memory of the event but this does not preclude any type of awareness. There was awareness enough to continue respiration, blood flow, temperature regulation, and so on.
If I were to ask you to recall what you were specifically aware of at 7:03 pm on the 15th of last month, it is likely your memory would fail you. The mind and in turn the memory are not infallible.
Perhaps you have even had the experience of driving a long distance and suddenly being aware that you have been so preoccupied that you do not recall the last 5 miles which you clearly had the awareness to navigate! Or the last 5 pages of a book you are finding terribly boring which you nonetheless used your eye movements to scan and recognize words. There was certainly an ongoing level of awareness during these examples, yet our memory betrays us.
Going further, a non-dualist would say that the past and future exist in the mind only and are bound by time and space. That in reality all is one and all is here and now. The law of cause and effect is still in the mind only, but you are not your mind. By this definition, anesthesia would be in the mind only.
Where are you during anesthesia?
A subscriber to The Optimum Self Newsletter recently posed a very thoughtful question.
Although he was almost convinced that there is something more to us than body and mind (by the mere fact that we can observe the body and the mind which must involve an "it" that does the observing), he asked why this "it" remains subject to external influences?
He cited general anesthesia which "knocks us out during an operation. It goes black and that's that. We wake up after, and for a few short moments we do not know who we are, where we are or why we are".
He questioned; "If there is something else, why is it also affected by general anesthesia and not able to be separate to which is happening during an operation?"
To respond in a meaningful way, we must examine the origin of the word anesthesia. We find it is from the Greek - anaisth sia - which means "lack of sensation".
Even though our sensory abilities are suspended at this time, we clearly still exist, as evidenced by the passage of time and witnesses to the event. If one were to rely solely on the mind in this instance, one would genuinely state that one did not exist. We have no memory of the event but this does not preclude any type of awareness. There was awareness enough to continue respiration, blood flow, temperature regulation, and so on.
If I were to ask you to recall what you were specifically aware of at 7:03 pm on the 15th of last month, it is likely your memory would fail you. The mind and in turn the memory are not infallible.
Perhaps you have even had the experience of driving a long distance and suddenly being aware that you have been so preoccupied that you do not recall the last 5 miles which you clearly had the awareness to navigate! Or the last 5 pages of a book you are finding terribly boring which you nonetheless used your eye movements to scan and recognize words. There was certainly an ongoing level of awareness during these examples, yet our memory betrays us.
Going further, a non-dualist would say that the past and future exist in the mind only and are bound by time and space. That in reality all is one and all is here and now. The law of cause and effect is still in the mind only, but you are not your mind. By this definition, anesthesia would be in the mind only.
Although he was almost convinced that there is something more to us than body and mind (by the mere fact that we can observe the body and the mind which must involve an "it" that does the observing), he asked why this "it" remains subject to external influences?
He cited general anesthesia which "knocks us out during an operation. It goes black and that's that. We wake up after, and for a few short moments we do not know who we are, where we are or why we are".
He questioned; "If there is something else, why is it also affected by general anesthesia and not able to be separate to which is happening during an operation?"
To respond in a meaningful way, we must examine the origin of the word anesthesia. We find it is from the Greek - anaisth sia - which means "lack of sensation".
Even though our sensory abilities are suspended at this time, we clearly still exist, as evidenced by the passage of time and witnesses to the event. If one were to rely solely on the mind in this instance, one would genuinely state that one did not exist. We have no memory of the event but this does not preclude any type of awareness. There was awareness enough to continue respiration, blood flow, temperature regulation, and so on.
If I were to ask you to recall what you were specifically aware of at 7:03 pm on the 15th of last month, it is likely your memory would fail you. The mind and in turn the memory are not infallible.
Perhaps you have even had the experience of driving a long distance and suddenly being aware that you have been so preoccupied that you do not recall the last 5 miles which you clearly had the awareness to navigate! Or the last 5 pages of a book you are finding terribly boring which you nonetheless used your eye movements to scan and recognize words. There was certainly an ongoing level of awareness during these examples, yet our memory betrays us.
Going further, a non-dualist would say that the past and future exist in the mind only and are bound by time and space. That in reality all is one and all is here and now. The law of cause and effect is still in the mind only, but you are not your mind. By this definition, anesthesia would be in the mind only.
Who are you?
Just exactly who are you?
You may say “Well…I’m Ted Somebody, originally from Pittsburgh and the son of a steelworker and hair stylist.
I’m a Regional Sales Manager for Something Industries and have been for the last 11 years. I’m 35 years old, a father of three and recently divorced. I wish I could see my kids more. I was raised Catholic but no longer practice.
I am an avid skier and outdoors man. I’m 6 feet tall, with a dark complexion and brown eyes and probably carry an extra 15 pounds and it sure seems tougher to lose then ever before. My sign is Taurus if you care.
I enjoy discussing politics but tend to become a little argumentative. I guess I do enjoy a good argument. I love to travel and especially like getting away on my motorcycle on weekends.
I also own a sailboat but just don’t seem to have the time to enjoy it much anymore. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah..”
Understand right now, that the essence of who you are is not your name, your birthplace, your parents, your job, your career, your title, your age, your marital status, your weight, your possessions, your religious affiliation, your habits, your body, your mind, your fears, your thoughts or your feelings.
Who are you then?
When your body is tired, who/what is it that says “my body is tired”?
When you are troubled, who/what is it that says “my mind is troubled’?
When you say “I feel angry!”, who/what is it that is angry?
Who/what is it that thinks the thought or senses the body or feels the anger?
Who/what is it that speaks of the mind and the body and the feelings?
Who are you?
You are that by which you know that you are. That is who you actually are. Your essence is spirit. Meditate on this sentence. Be that. There is no need to try to be that because you already are that. What effort is needed to be who you are already? Realize that. Undoubtedly you are here. You can control your thoughts but you are NOT your thoughts.
What is meant by the psalm “”Be still and know that I Am God…”? Rote knowledge of scripture remains mechanical and mere words unless one allows the heart and soul to be touched. Words stir the mind and inspire but knowledge of God is complete, wordless, direct and impossible to mistake. Prayer and meditation is the direct path. If the mind is not clear, it is not ready to receive all that waits to enter.
Know thyself. Look at the word confidence and it’s root; con-fido, to trust confidently in something, confide in, rely firmly upon, to believe, be assured of.
Take all the time in the world to ponder the question “who am I?”. Eliminating all that you are not and discover what is left! There you are! Exercise the full control that you possess as a birthright. The choice is yours.
Realize that all the problems you struggle with relate directly or indirectly to your body’s existence, whether it be security, other people, food, shelter, clothing or health issues.
These problems melt away when you realize that you truly are something other than your body and mind. What problems does the owner of the body have?
When you stay aware and in the now (after all the now is always with you), and you develop the ability to observe with stillness, you may choose to refuse to allow your true self to become attached to destructive thoughts, worries and fears. Actually, by using the process of elimination you will find through meditation all that you are not! Then what remains; the witness is boundless unlimited spirit.
The now is of vital importance in this premise. When you find yourself thinking of something in the past or worrying about the future, you must immediately realize that you are still doing this thinking in the now.
The material world will come and go, but the now and the spiritual realm will remain absolutely and infinitely real. Keep returning to this sense of “I am here and now”.
It can take but a moment or an entire lifetime to get this. Your sincerity is the key. Use your new found awareness to destroy (destroy meaning de-structure) any tired, patterned responses you may covet in which you think you have to be somebody or live up to somebody’s expectations. You already have “some body”.
When you bring your inner self into focus, spontaneously and without effort, who you actually are will then begin to emerge. When you begin to observe all the madness that happens around you, all the while realizing that it is happening to you but is not you, then the inner self emerges. Try to stay there calmly but remember to do this without effort or strain.
Continued patience and a sincere heart are all you truly need. Your unbending intent is incredibly powerful. It will take some discipline to stay in the now in the early stages as you will be bombarded with images, resentments, irritations and trivialities. Just allow these thoughts to pass you by as if you are sitting by the river’s edge watching a leaf being ever gently carried downstream.
These thoughts have never actually been you but now that you are realizing this, you will clearly view how these thoughts and the confusion that they create operate to determine your daily reality.
To be yourself requires no special knowledge. Remember always both simplicity and sincerity. You will begin with tiny steps, gradually isolating negative reactions and resentments and dispassionately observing them.
Resist not. Resent not. Remain as the observer, the witness and separate from your thoughts. See clearly that there is the thought and there is the witness of the thought. You are the witness only. Stay in this witnessing state.
Pure awareness, silence and stillness is the essence of who you are. Clear your mind first of trivialities and thoughts, be very quiet, and then within the stillness and silence you will find peace.
The obvious fact that you are absolutely able to observe something (whether it be a thought or feeling) is proof that you are not it. You can’t be both the observer and that which is observed.
This meditative state is nothing more than affording yourself the opportunity to discover what is illusionary, so that when truth is presented it will be heard. It will be known. Doubt not.
If you seek the advanced disciplines of postures, poses and breathing techniques you will find many books/teachers which/ who will describe these thoroughly. Be aware lest you become addicted to the method and miss the message. Simplicity works.
My intent here and now, is that you simply are able to realize there is a way to still the mind so that you may know who you truly are and know God, not simply know about God.
It is a mystery as to why you and I have appeared here at all. Rather then continuing to submit yourself to endless questioning, intellectualizing and speculation, why not consider just being? If this mystery is meant to be revealed, it will be… in due time.
You may say “Well…I’m Ted Somebody, originally from Pittsburgh and the son of a steelworker and hair stylist.
I’m a Regional Sales Manager for Something Industries and have been for the last 11 years. I’m 35 years old, a father of three and recently divorced. I wish I could see my kids more. I was raised Catholic but no longer practice.
I am an avid skier and outdoors man. I’m 6 feet tall, with a dark complexion and brown eyes and probably carry an extra 15 pounds and it sure seems tougher to lose then ever before. My sign is Taurus if you care.
I enjoy discussing politics but tend to become a little argumentative. I guess I do enjoy a good argument. I love to travel and especially like getting away on my motorcycle on weekends.
I also own a sailboat but just don’t seem to have the time to enjoy it much anymore. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah..”
Understand right now, that the essence of who you are is not your name, your birthplace, your parents, your job, your career, your title, your age, your marital status, your weight, your possessions, your religious affiliation, your habits, your body, your mind, your fears, your thoughts or your feelings.
Who are you then?
When your body is tired, who/what is it that says “my body is tired”?
When you are troubled, who/what is it that says “my mind is troubled’?
When you say “I feel angry!”, who/what is it that is angry?
Who/what is it that thinks the thought or senses the body or feels the anger?
Who/what is it that speaks of the mind and the body and the feelings?
Who are you?
You are that by which you know that you are. That is who you actually are. Your essence is spirit. Meditate on this sentence. Be that. There is no need to try to be that because you already are that. What effort is needed to be who you are already? Realize that. Undoubtedly you are here. You can control your thoughts but you are NOT your thoughts.
What is meant by the psalm “”Be still and know that I Am God…”? Rote knowledge of scripture remains mechanical and mere words unless one allows the heart and soul to be touched. Words stir the mind and inspire but knowledge of God is complete, wordless, direct and impossible to mistake. Prayer and meditation is the direct path. If the mind is not clear, it is not ready to receive all that waits to enter.
Know thyself. Look at the word confidence and it’s root; con-fido, to trust confidently in something, confide in, rely firmly upon, to believe, be assured of.
Take all the time in the world to ponder the question “who am I?”. Eliminating all that you are not and discover what is left! There you are! Exercise the full control that you possess as a birthright. The choice is yours.
Realize that all the problems you struggle with relate directly or indirectly to your body’s existence, whether it be security, other people, food, shelter, clothing or health issues.
These problems melt away when you realize that you truly are something other than your body and mind. What problems does the owner of the body have?
When you stay aware and in the now (after all the now is always with you), and you develop the ability to observe with stillness, you may choose to refuse to allow your true self to become attached to destructive thoughts, worries and fears. Actually, by using the process of elimination you will find through meditation all that you are not! Then what remains; the witness is boundless unlimited spirit.
The now is of vital importance in this premise. When you find yourself thinking of something in the past or worrying about the future, you must immediately realize that you are still doing this thinking in the now.
The material world will come and go, but the now and the spiritual realm will remain absolutely and infinitely real. Keep returning to this sense of “I am here and now”.
It can take but a moment or an entire lifetime to get this. Your sincerity is the key. Use your new found awareness to destroy (destroy meaning de-structure) any tired, patterned responses you may covet in which you think you have to be somebody or live up to somebody’s expectations. You already have “some body”.
When you bring your inner self into focus, spontaneously and without effort, who you actually are will then begin to emerge. When you begin to observe all the madness that happens around you, all the while realizing that it is happening to you but is not you, then the inner self emerges. Try to stay there calmly but remember to do this without effort or strain.
Continued patience and a sincere heart are all you truly need. Your unbending intent is incredibly powerful. It will take some discipline to stay in the now in the early stages as you will be bombarded with images, resentments, irritations and trivialities. Just allow these thoughts to pass you by as if you are sitting by the river’s edge watching a leaf being ever gently carried downstream.
These thoughts have never actually been you but now that you are realizing this, you will clearly view how these thoughts and the confusion that they create operate to determine your daily reality.
To be yourself requires no special knowledge. Remember always both simplicity and sincerity. You will begin with tiny steps, gradually isolating negative reactions and resentments and dispassionately observing them.
Resist not. Resent not. Remain as the observer, the witness and separate from your thoughts. See clearly that there is the thought and there is the witness of the thought. You are the witness only. Stay in this witnessing state.
Pure awareness, silence and stillness is the essence of who you are. Clear your mind first of trivialities and thoughts, be very quiet, and then within the stillness and silence you will find peace.
The obvious fact that you are absolutely able to observe something (whether it be a thought or feeling) is proof that you are not it. You can’t be both the observer and that which is observed.
This meditative state is nothing more than affording yourself the opportunity to discover what is illusionary, so that when truth is presented it will be heard. It will be known. Doubt not.
If you seek the advanced disciplines of postures, poses and breathing techniques you will find many books/teachers which/ who will describe these thoroughly. Be aware lest you become addicted to the method and miss the message. Simplicity works.
My intent here and now, is that you simply are able to realize there is a way to still the mind so that you may know who you truly are and know God, not simply know about God.
It is a mystery as to why you and I have appeared here at all. Rather then continuing to submit yourself to endless questioning, intellectualizing and speculation, why not consider just being? If this mystery is meant to be revealed, it will be… in due time.
Childhood impacting on the meditation process
Learn from the children in your lives. Watch as they flow from moment to moment without deliberation. Listen as they speak with enthusiasm of that which they experience here and now. See how they emote without repression. Watch as their eyes sparkle with wonder and discovery and an open willingness to explore.
Note their unpredictability as they move about free of rigid character. Marvel at their honest expression and cherish their innocence and sincerity. Let their joy flood your heart and envision the promise of a better world. Allow them to unknowingly redefine your priorities.
Learn from them before your heart hardens. As you continue to practice the observation/meditation technique taught in the Optimum Self eBook, undigested material from your childhood may surface. See the technique described at http://www.optimumself.com/techniquenow.html
This may not occur at first because your most recent layers of resentments, repressions and traumas will tend to surface. With the lifting of each layer, in turn the previous one will follow as if linked together.
Occasionally during meditation, you will have a flash of a particular childhood experience, that will possibly shock and upset you. Remember to isolate and observe this disturbing thought or image in a dispassionate manner. It will gradually lose its influence over you.
Sometimes you will have a clear insight during the day which will temporarily knock you off balance. Be grateful for these appearances as they can teach you a great deal about the origins of self defeating behaviors you may now exhibit. Recognizing and becoming aware of the root source of this behavior may be curative in itself.
Note their unpredictability as they move about free of rigid character. Marvel at their honest expression and cherish their innocence and sincerity. Let their joy flood your heart and envision the promise of a better world. Allow them to unknowingly redefine your priorities.
Learn from them before your heart hardens. As you continue to practice the observation/meditation technique taught in the Optimum Self eBook, undigested material from your childhood may surface. See the technique described at http://www.optimumself.com/techniquenow.html
This may not occur at first because your most recent layers of resentments, repressions and traumas will tend to surface. With the lifting of each layer, in turn the previous one will follow as if linked together.
Occasionally during meditation, you will have a flash of a particular childhood experience, that will possibly shock and upset you. Remember to isolate and observe this disturbing thought or image in a dispassionate manner. It will gradually lose its influence over you.
Sometimes you will have a clear insight during the day which will temporarily knock you off balance. Be grateful for these appearances as they can teach you a great deal about the origins of self defeating behaviors you may now exhibit. Recognizing and becoming aware of the root source of this behavior may be curative in itself.
Be like water
Be like water
Water flows. Water always adapts. Water changes speed and direction in an instant when necessary. Water nurtures. Water joins others like itself to form a greater whole. Water changes its structure according to the environment but its composition never changes. Water adheres to universal laws.
Stagnation is not beneficial to you or water. Water has no master and is self sufficient. Water withholds none of itself and receives all openly. Water serves all without resentment. Water has neither a beginning or an end.
Water is forceful or gentle depending on the circumstances. Water assists those on their journey but does not compromise itself in doing so. Water is life affirming. Water carries and holds without attachment.
Water displays the universe’s magnificence simply through self-actualization. Water is open and allows all to experience its depths. Water doesn’t procrastinate; rather it deals with obstacles decisively without hesitation.
Be like water.
Water flows. Water always adapts. Water changes speed and direction in an instant when necessary. Water nurtures. Water joins others like itself to form a greater whole. Water changes its structure according to the environment but its composition never changes. Water adheres to universal laws.
Stagnation is not beneficial to you or water. Water has no master and is self sufficient. Water withholds none of itself and receives all openly. Water serves all without resentment. Water has neither a beginning or an end.
Water is forceful or gentle depending on the circumstances. Water assists those on their journey but does not compromise itself in doing so. Water is life affirming. Water carries and holds without attachment.
Water displays the universe’s magnificence simply through self-actualization. Water is open and allows all to experience its depths. Water doesn’t procrastinate; rather it deals with obstacles decisively without hesitation.
Be like water.
We are the obstacle
Ok, you’re ready for a life change. A big one.
You’ve found yourself fully entrenched in a life that seemingly others created. You’ve followed all the rules, crossed all of your t’s, listened to your elders and have done what was expected of you all the while.
Now you feel like the life that you are leading is not the one of your innermost desires. You’ve always had a vague sense of a destiny unfulfilled. You’re now ready to follow your deepest yearnings.
So you begin to once again visualize or think about the life that you desire. You’ve naturally been at this point before. Somehow you’ve always as quickly closed the door before walking through it. This usually happens immediately after considering the means that you perceive necessary in order to to bring that desire to fruition.
Even though your desire and intent are strong enough, rather than trusting in the universe’s ability to provide the means, old familiar doubts creep onto the screen of your mind. These doubts are a convenient excuse to avoid change and experience what you truly desire.
As Shakespeare wrote “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt”. Ultimately they demoralize and stop you dead in your tracks. Your old life continues.
Now…how about trying something different?
If you’ve already identified the specific means necessary to fulfill the desire(s) then absolutely give your attention to those means. Your emotional response will tell you if they are too specific. Do they fill you with enthusiasm? Then steadfastly continue. Or do the means seem daunting and unobtainable? Then back off and don’t allow your fears to quell your dreams.
Be aware of your mind placing obstacles in your path before the journey has begun.
Allow the desire to bubble to the surface. The thoughts that arise will bring forth the powerful positive emotions needed for propulsion.
If the thoughts are too analytical and critical before the the good feeling is allowed to wash over you, then doubts and fears are sure to arise.
Simply be aware to pay attention - to seek a balance to the way you are feeling. Being specific enough that you feel positive emotions but not so specific that you begin conjuring up negative thoughts and feeling defeated.
Let me give you an example. Let’s say you have the desire to be a writer. So the desire simply begins that you want to write. Begin pondering your reasons for wanting to be a writer. You may come to realize that you have a strong desire to uplift, inform, be thought provoking or entertain others.
As you begin thinking of the type of writing you desire to engage in, you may begin to add a few specifics. If operating under your previous self-defeating patterns, you may tell yourself “I really don’t know much about this”, “I’m not very talented” or “This is too difficult and beyond my grasp”.
If this happens, simply become aware that it is so, and back away from the specifics of this until you have collected more information. Ponder more. Visualize “as if” you are already experiencing the fulfillment of your desire.
Next you may say “I don’t know what type of writing I can do?… let me think about it…Well…I would like to write with an unbridled freedom that my intended reader would likely be open to receiving; the type of writing that I have always responded to and similar to the work I have sought from other writers”.
So then one ponders more….specifics may come - like a particular journal or magazine that aligns with your thinking. If those specifics don’t arrive, do not allow yourself to become disappointed. Just keep the desire strong and trust that a way will become evident.
This may be a new involve a new way of having your being in the world. A deep trust in the source of the desire. A knowing that the universe will conspire and bring people, places and things into alignment with your desire. Trust and see that it is so.
Whatever your desires, dreams or career aspirations are, simply envision the end result and let the universe handle the details. As you begin focusing on the end result - really seeing yourself living that dream, feel to your core the complete attainment of your goal. Your being immediately begins to collect vital data both consciously and unconsciously that will give you the means you require to complete the journey.
You will clearly know by the way you feel - as you continue to collect information - as to whether your next step is appropriate or not. Visualize the details of the end result as detailed as possible while still feeling positive regarding its attainment. Have faith.
Give your attention continually to that which you desire and how wonderful it makes you feel, rather than dousing this emerging enthusiasm with memories of past experiences and wrong turns. That was then; this is now. This moment is ever new and you desires ever attainable.
Doubt not.
You’ve found yourself fully entrenched in a life that seemingly others created. You’ve followed all the rules, crossed all of your t’s, listened to your elders and have done what was expected of you all the while.
Now you feel like the life that you are leading is not the one of your innermost desires. You’ve always had a vague sense of a destiny unfulfilled. You’re now ready to follow your deepest yearnings.
So you begin to once again visualize or think about the life that you desire. You’ve naturally been at this point before. Somehow you’ve always as quickly closed the door before walking through it. This usually happens immediately after considering the means that you perceive necessary in order to to bring that desire to fruition.
Even though your desire and intent are strong enough, rather than trusting in the universe’s ability to provide the means, old familiar doubts creep onto the screen of your mind. These doubts are a convenient excuse to avoid change and experience what you truly desire.
As Shakespeare wrote “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt”. Ultimately they demoralize and stop you dead in your tracks. Your old life continues.
Now…how about trying something different?
If you’ve already identified the specific means necessary to fulfill the desire(s) then absolutely give your attention to those means. Your emotional response will tell you if they are too specific. Do they fill you with enthusiasm? Then steadfastly continue. Or do the means seem daunting and unobtainable? Then back off and don’t allow your fears to quell your dreams.
Be aware of your mind placing obstacles in your path before the journey has begun.
Allow the desire to bubble to the surface. The thoughts that arise will bring forth the powerful positive emotions needed for propulsion.
If the thoughts are too analytical and critical before the the good feeling is allowed to wash over you, then doubts and fears are sure to arise.
Simply be aware to pay attention - to seek a balance to the way you are feeling. Being specific enough that you feel positive emotions but not so specific that you begin conjuring up negative thoughts and feeling defeated.
Let me give you an example. Let’s say you have the desire to be a writer. So the desire simply begins that you want to write. Begin pondering your reasons for wanting to be a writer. You may come to realize that you have a strong desire to uplift, inform, be thought provoking or entertain others.
As you begin thinking of the type of writing you desire to engage in, you may begin to add a few specifics. If operating under your previous self-defeating patterns, you may tell yourself “I really don’t know much about this”, “I’m not very talented” or “This is too difficult and beyond my grasp”.
If this happens, simply become aware that it is so, and back away from the specifics of this until you have collected more information. Ponder more. Visualize “as if” you are already experiencing the fulfillment of your desire.
Next you may say “I don’t know what type of writing I can do?… let me think about it…Well…I would like to write with an unbridled freedom that my intended reader would likely be open to receiving; the type of writing that I have always responded to and similar to the work I have sought from other writers”.
So then one ponders more….specifics may come - like a particular journal or magazine that aligns with your thinking. If those specifics don’t arrive, do not allow yourself to become disappointed. Just keep the desire strong and trust that a way will become evident.
This may be a new involve a new way of having your being in the world. A deep trust in the source of the desire. A knowing that the universe will conspire and bring people, places and things into alignment with your desire. Trust and see that it is so.
Whatever your desires, dreams or career aspirations are, simply envision the end result and let the universe handle the details. As you begin focusing on the end result - really seeing yourself living that dream, feel to your core the complete attainment of your goal. Your being immediately begins to collect vital data both consciously and unconsciously that will give you the means you require to complete the journey.
You will clearly know by the way you feel - as you continue to collect information - as to whether your next step is appropriate or not. Visualize the details of the end result as detailed as possible while still feeling positive regarding its attainment. Have faith.
Give your attention continually to that which you desire and how wonderful it makes you feel, rather than dousing this emerging enthusiasm with memories of past experiences and wrong turns. That was then; this is now. This moment is ever new and you desires ever attainable.
Doubt not.
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