To Live In What Is

How to Stop Struggling Through Life

Sometimes I feel the weight of the past pressing me exhonorably on into the same all too repeating patters. The form may change but fundamentally the essence remains unchanged. However, in the moment of greatest weight the load itself comes clearly into focus and so can be cast off. At that moment it’s easy to see the constraints on my behavior. They are largely the product of inertia. They are there. For whatever reason.

And then the consideration – no matter what triviality you loose yourself momentarily in there is only this. Just this. So in moments of deep connection, enjoy it. Revel in it. And do so by simply being completely there and present with it. Don’t judge. Don’t compare. Don’t even use words to think about it.

Since you alone are responsible for your thoughts, only you can change them. You will want to change them when you realize that each thought creates according to its own nature. Remember that the law works at all times and that you are always demonstrating according to the kind of thoughts you habitually entertain. Therefore, start now to think only those thoughts that will bring you health and happiness. - Paramahansa Yogananda

The other day I realized three very different things. The first was that I enjoy the style of my own handwriting. The second wasn’t new to me. However it struck me again that I have the persistent wish to be as up front and open in my relationships with other as possible. Simple and uncomplicated.

The third struck me like a well aimed punch I didn’t see coming. I suddenly understood the sheer genius of meditating on the breath. By relaxing and letting go of distractions such as thoughts and physical sensations during meditation and returning gently to the breath (not forcefully concentrating!) one is practicing how to let go and live in the present moment. To live in what is and not the crazy made up story in our heads that causes us no end of needless worry, fear and suffering.

See if you can catch yourself complaining in either speech or thought, about a situation you find yourself in, what other people do or say, your surroundings, your life situation, even the weather. To complain is always nonacceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge. When you complain, you make yourself a victim. Leave the situation or accept it. All else is madness. - Eckhart Tolle

As the meditation continues one inevitably discovers oneself caught up in some distraction again so that the sense of being aware, consciousness itself, is forgotten. We lose ourselves. Only, in meditation on the breath, the exercise is to realize that distraction has occurred, gently let go, relax and return to the breath. This isn’t a forcing associated with concentration. That will only cause tension.

The return to the breath is only possible because of the relaxing and letting go. Through practice one becomes able to realize quicker and quicker that distraction has occurred. Till the point is reached where distraction is recognized before it can take form and is let go of so swiftly distraction never actually occurs.

Thus, through practice one becomes able to live in the constant wondrous ineffable present. And as it turns out the present is very simple. There isn’t anything to worry about or be afraid of in the present. Something is either not happening or if it is there is no such thing as worrying about a moment that is occurring.

By Stephen Cox @ Balanced Existence

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