Pollination by Julie https://www.flickr.com/photos/juliek1967/17030895645/
Returning from yoga class two weeks ago, a first bumble bee of the season buzzed before me, and around the flowers in the front garden. I saw another bee this week. When these amazing creatures visit I feel hopeful and happy since scientists indicate that the bee population is dwindling due to various kinds of pollution.
Forsythia, one of my favorite early visitors, bloomed seemingly overnight, to intoxicate me
into spring. Forsythia sprout yellow flowers, which are quickly replaced by green ones. So
short lived is the burst of yellow that we must enjoy it while we can.
John Paul Satre philosophized that we get meaning from life because it is finite – death occurs. I would say that life in the physical form doesn’t last forever – It’s our spirit that is eternal. Relationships are like that too. There are so many opportunities to move a relationship forward by confronting an issue. We don’t know how long people will remain in our lives. Appreciate them. Lean into the important connections, being genuine and communicative.
We are truly alive when we remain present. A spiritual saying is that all things are possible at all times. It is wise to be awake – not in the past nor in the future with our thoughts – so that we are open to these possibilities.
Thich Nhat Hanh suggests that when thinking occurs in meditation, send the thoughts away, coming back to center. I spoke to a friend about the youthfulness of this Buddhist master who is in his eighties, but who looks sixty or so. “He has happy thoughts,” I said. Jill responded: “How about no thoughts.” There is clearly a boost to our physical, emotional and spiritual health when we are in the now.
In my mind, our center is located in the heart – up to the Higher Self, also known as the I AM Presence. This route takes us to the elevated dimensional aspects of us, which hold our
Highest wisdom. We are electromagnetic, and we get this electromagnetic boost when we say: “I AM.” I feel the flow of energy when reciting this mantra: I AM loved, I AM calm, etc. We can use it on its own or add a constructive phrase or word.
Being in my center, in the moment, in compassion is my goal. In compassion I am in the now, detached from outcome, and centered in my unified self (Gregg Braden, 1997). It is no easy task for me: I make decisions as I go about my day – whether to act with love or its opposite, anger, disrespect, etc.
Life is to be cherished. It is finite like the bee and the yellow burst from the forsythia. In Eastern philosophy, each in-breath represents new life (inspiration) while the outbreath represents death. Why not enjoy the process? We must “think” to be competent in our work and social interactions. Yet, we can be present as we move through these commitments.
Of course, we need to function daily in our work and other activities where we think; but we are more than our thinking, more spiritual than physical. Expand – focus on your spiritual self. Call it a discipline.
I love being in the moment. It feels light and easy. There is no past or future, just the experience of “now.” Currently, being present represents a larger part of my day and I am working to increase it. It greatly benefits my health and my sense of peace as I remind myself that a “present” is a “gift.”
NOTE: This is an edited version of my essay of 4.15.13, which you can find in “Compassion in My Own Words” ~ my free e-book ~ smashwords.com/books/view/446617.
I am shifting the format of alternate-Monday postings on the blog. Thought I would change things up ~ -:)
Wishing you peace & love,
Linda
