Last week was the third year in a row, that I organized a visit to Pennsylvania by my favorite Sri Lankan monk, Bhante Dhammawansha. Spending entire days with someone as peaceful and mindful as he is, always increases my own sense of compassion for myself, and, for others.
We are all, I believe, divine souls, living in this human body. Staying detached from outer worldly things is a constant effort that I strive towards. There are many outer 'things', constantly vying to take the attention of our human minds. This includes our personal appearance, our living arrangements, other people and their opinions and needs, our many faceted 'personalities' developed to allow us to exist in a world experienced as a child, our relationships with others, social media, electronic devices, community events, our various organizations, our cities, country and world events, to name a few.
Many things can change moment by moment. Conversations, a passing car, unexpected weather shifts, our human interactions - all can 'take' our attention, and lead us to a state of attachment, unbeknownst to our conscious mind. How interesting I find it, when I notice that my attention has been taken. Hopefully, by noticing, I can just accept it as my human condition.
Bhante noted that animals are living a much freer life than we do. They live in the moment. They wake up happy, enjoy their food, play with their 'friends' and stay focused on whatever is in the present. Can we strive to do the same? For decades, I've increasingly appreciated my daily meditation practice, and the freedom it allows my mind to experience every day.
Incorporating Feng Shui principals into my surroundings has also helped simplify life, as well as remove potential blocks to my own and my clients' well being. Living with intention, honoring our surroundings, accepting the human condition - can all lead to a more peaceful life.
I encourage you to take notice of your own life. Are you living with freedom, or, controlled by your own or other peoples' minds? Start with some simple breathing. Notice if you have space for inner growth reflected in your environment. Take a small step toward simplicity today. Your mind will thank you eternally.
Photo Credit: Bhante Dhammawansha
We are all, I believe, divine souls, living in this human body. Staying detached from outer worldly things is a constant effort that I strive towards. There are many outer 'things', constantly vying to take the attention of our human minds. This includes our personal appearance, our living arrangements, other people and their opinions and needs, our many faceted 'personalities' developed to allow us to exist in a world experienced as a child, our relationships with others, social media, electronic devices, community events, our various organizations, our cities, country and world events, to name a few.
Many things can change moment by moment. Conversations, a passing car, unexpected weather shifts, our human interactions - all can 'take' our attention, and lead us to a state of attachment, unbeknownst to our conscious mind. How interesting I find it, when I notice that my attention has been taken. Hopefully, by noticing, I can just accept it as my human condition.
Bhante noted that animals are living a much freer life than we do. They live in the moment. They wake up happy, enjoy their food, play with their 'friends' and stay focused on whatever is in the present. Can we strive to do the same? For decades, I've increasingly appreciated my daily meditation practice, and the freedom it allows my mind to experience every day.
Incorporating Feng Shui principals into my surroundings has also helped simplify life, as well as remove potential blocks to my own and my clients' well being. Living with intention, honoring our surroundings, accepting the human condition - can all lead to a more peaceful life.
I encourage you to take notice of your own life. Are you living with freedom, or, controlled by your own or other peoples' minds? Start with some simple breathing. Notice if you have space for inner growth reflected in your environment. Take a small step toward simplicity today. Your mind will thank you eternally.
Photo Credit: Bhante Dhammawansha
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