Lately, I have been seeing more clearly when a sense of “something wrong” arises through a sensation, thought or emotion. This has been tremendously helpful because, as we all know, awareness is everything, and recognizing when “something wrong” arises means I have a choice. As far as I can tell, the choice is either: 1) believing there is a problem or 2) recognizing that life doesn’t function in that framework and being open to see the truth in the moment. What’s so wonderful about practice is that I have the tools for exploring what is actually occurring. So when that sensation, thought or emotion comes up, I have been practicing turning to the Mentor through R/L and processing what’s going on. Bingo! In most cases, “something wrong” disappears because it cannot hold up under the wisdom and expansiveness that arises through the process. It may return shortly, but that is just an invitation to check in once again.
It’s a continuous process. It’s like going back to the breath; I do it over and over again. When the habitual cues for “something wrong” arise, I’m required to seek guidance through the Mentor (or the Guide, meditation, etc.) if I want to be free. It’s the repetition required by practice that we learn to love, the repetition that leads to clarity and freedom.
Another practice that I’ve found amazingly simple, effective and fun in turning from the incessant conversation of conditioning is humming and singing. There is a playfulness and lightness it offers which makes it next to impossible for conditioning to gain a hold. Maybe dancing will be next, but for the time being humming and singing are the partners of choice (along with my recorder) that can accompany me anywhere.
There are no limits to the adventures of practice for which I’m terrifically grateful.
Gassho,
Jan