Deep insights and profound experiences are great. I love
them, but they are the exception, not the rule. That’s why they’re called peak
experiences, not ordinary experiences. I think of them as precious gifts that
are pure delight when first received. Then it’s time to work with them, to put
them into daily practice and make them part of every day life. That’s where
most of us stumble.
Peak experiences always impart some wisdom about a change to
be made in our perception, beliefs, or behaviors. Sometimes it’s all of the
above. If, for example, you’ve ever experienced a moment of oneness
consciousness you find later, perhaps the next day or even the next moment,
that judging and creating separation from others is a habit that has to go.
That’s not as easy as making a decision not to judge because
the behavior and underlying beliefs are implanted in every human being from
birth. As much as I want to be totally free from judgment, I still judge
others, usually when I’m not fully present. That happens much more frequently
than I’d like.
Another behavior pattern I’m finding tough to change is how
I relate to and care for my physical body. I spent years under the conditioned
belief that the body is inferior to the soul or even the mind, and that it is a
limitation, even a burden. That kind of attitude creates separation, and that
creates pain, degeneration, and sometimes disease. I do appreciate my body now
and I do want to treat it with the loving kindness and respect that it
deserves. However, I keep forgetting to do that in the midst of busy days. The
old habits of neglect keep creeping back.
As I’m beginning to teach more of what I’ve learned I find
that haven’t implemented all of it on a
daily basis. I have a huge toolbox full of tools and some of them haven’t been
taken out for quite some time. Am I really living what I teach? To the best of
my ability, yes, but there’s room for improvement. I need to be more present
and aware throughout my day, not just in meditation or creative pursuits. Those
are the times that are easy. It’s the other times that will make the difference
between talking about it and living it.
I agree. I talk about taking care of ourselves and using our talents to better the world, so isn't it time I lose the extra ten pounds on my body? I do a lot of volunteer work, but isn't it time to "go bigger"?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to live it, not just talk about it.
Hi, Susan. I think we all talk about how we could do better but need to reach a certain point or get an extra push to put it into practice.
DeleteThanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
You make many great points here, Jacqueline! My greatest take away here is remembering to be forgiving of myself when I get caught up practicing old habits. Self-forgiveness allows us to remember the ability we have to begin again and start over from where we are now. I often say to myself when this tends to happen to me (which tends to happen a lot), "Oops, Deone. You slipped up buddy. Do that one again." I find that when I look at it humorously, I'm able to "live it" on a more frequented basis. Some habits are a bit harder to break than others. I try to keep in mind that my behaviors, way of thinking, and other old habits needing to be broken, weren't formulated overnight; so I must be sure to give myself the time necessary to break the chains that cling me to my old way of doing them.
ReplyDeleteGreat sharpening message, my friend. Thanks for sharing your truths with us. Blessings.
You're absolutely right, Deone, self-forgiveness is essential. It's easy to beat yourself up for not always being and doing your best but that does no service to anyone.
DeleteWhat I've been doing is integrating one thing into my schedule at a time. When it because a new habit I add another. Putting it in my schedule helps me remember the practice and why it's important to me.