There was quite a lot of interest about last weeks post. I guess it must have resonated.

I’m sometimes asked why I wrote about some of these more esoteric topics. Apart from my own personal journey, I can see that it’s relevant to every individual, though it may not be explicitly expressed that way. Whether it’s someone battling with serious illness; a parent juggling the tasks of work and parenting; or the farmer toiling the land to grow our crops, thta question about the relevance and purpose of life beyond the mundane appears to consistently pop up.

It can come to you out of some dissatisfaction or discontent. Or it can come from heartbreak. It can even come from intellectual analysis of life. But it is extremely difficult to explore without some basics being settled. Because every time you approach the door to go beneath mental turbulence it closes shut. The mind has to achieve a certain level of stillness. How best to let muddy water clear? You just have to leave it alone and let it settle.

It’s quite the paradox.

Mental discontent can lead to asking of the question, “and then what…”. But mental quietude is required for you to start getting answers! The push/pull; strive/relax; yin/ying is right at play here. On a physical level it is difficult to go beyond discomfort. Even the strongest of minds will keep being pulled back to an uncomfortable sensation. That is why in yoga the first thing that is attended to is the physical body and its ability to sit quietly. 

On a mental and emotional level it is those things that take you out of the present moment. Past regrets and ruminations as well as future worries and anxieties immediately close the door. That whisper of the soul comes though a portal that takes you to expanded states of consciousness. Think wide, space, ease and expansion . In many ways it requires some simplification of the material aspects of life. The basics of money, possessions, relationships, shelter need to be resolved to a great extent. Though desire is not bad, examine it and see whether it is helpful based on your life goals. Otherwise each time one sits to explore the void the door closes immediately.

My advice if you choose to explore this more?

Simplification of life generally. Then find an anchor that allows your mind to settle. It maybe through movement, music, writing, art, music, meditation or many other pursuits. Use that to take you a point of stillness. Then start becoming accustomed to “dropping in”. Initially those moments will be fleeting, but with practice it becomes more familiar, more sweet, and more deep.

Food for thought!

In Health and Wellness