When we are calm and centered, what is the feeling?
We feel complete. There is nothing missing. When we pull the mind inward, it detaches from the world, and comes back to that which is our true nature. Nothing from outside can give us anything more than what we already have.
The purpose of spiritual life is to connect with that fullness. That is real, your fullness, your connectedness with the wholeness. The mind suggests ideas like: “I need this,”“My life will be better with that,” “My life is empty without this.” In eastern thought, that transient aspect of life is called Maya. What is real is within you.
We can connect with our true nature by paying attention to the breath. When the mind is engaged with the breath, it detaches from the world, and comes home. Bring your attention to the space between two breaths. When you are in that space, nothing is missing. There is no rising of the sun. There is no rising of the moon. There are no oceans. There are no rivers. There are no problems. There are no worries. It just is.
Our minds are constantly running. No matter what we are doing, the mind is constantly going. How tired we would get if we were physically running non-stop. Imagine how tired our mind must get by being constantly engaged. Even in some types of meditation, you are visualizing being by the ocean or this or that – still the mind is engaged. The whole purpose of meditation is to still your mind. Stop imagining, stop judging, stop expecting. Stop looking for some bright light to appear. Just be in that stillness.
Your spiritual practice can be as simple as bringing your attention to the breath. Mind is the horse, breath is the rein. If the mind starts running in all different directions, just pull the rein – stop the breath for a moment. And once the horse has stopped, then what?
Be there in total appreciation. Not looking for anything more. Experience that bliss. You are not separate from it. It’s not a mystery. It’s very simple. It’s about doing it. Take the time to remind yourself of your true nature. While taking that breath, just think about that. This is your true self. This is your true nature.
May we start the day by remembering our true self. Whatever is agitating or worrying me, is it really that important? Can I live with it? Can I live without it? Once you become really connected with yourself, whatever the problem, big or small, it will resolve itself. You will get through it.
When moments of agitation, fear and anxiety arise, instead of feeding into them, remind yourself that you are quite capable of dealing with whatever comes your way. Sit down, take a few deep breaths, stop the breath for a moment and pay attention to that space. When the breath is held, imagine the life force of the breath is being absorbed into your body. Slowly release it. Let your body smile. Let the smile spread to your face.
Breath is the most powerful ally we have in dealing with negative emotions like anxiety, anger, fear, lust, greed. The breath has the power to cure anything. When we can calm our mind and come to a place of acceptance, the body will follow and will begin to heal itself.
Keep your practice simple, but steady. This practice of paying attention to our breath, is beautiful and powerful, and it’s something that anybody can do anywhere. It does not require anything from outside. It’s already here within you.
Whenever you have a few moments, I really encourage you to just lie down, be calm, be still, and focus on your breath with appreciation. Notice the breath flowing in, and let the joy come into your body, because that is a moment of joy. That breath is keeping us alive. What better reason to celebrate, to appreciate, to be happy. Otherwise, breath is just coming in and going out. We miss out on the joy of being alive by not giving it its due respect.
