Life is growing so complex with all of the technology and bombardment
of information. We are constantly in a state of engagement of some kind;
whether it be the television, handheld devices, running here and there…
It can be so all consuming and we get lost in it all. What happens when
you are forced into silence with yourself? Like the moments before you
drift off to sleep. What is happening for you? Is your mind racing with
what you need to do the next day? Are you going over and correcting
an interaction you had with someone, re-scripting the conversation over
and over in your mind? Are you uncomfortable or bored when you are
forced into solitude or silence with ‘nothing to do’, scrambling to go
seek out the next thing that will entertain or inform you? There are
times when I just stop…look out, in silence, content with the simplicity
of it. If someone else is around, I get this quizzical response, like-
“are you OK? Is something wrong? You seem sad? Want to join me?”
But to be honest, sometimes I just want the world to stop, I crave it
actually. I cling on, barely breathing and hold still, just for a slice
of time, I want to stay there and just be. That is why I have always
been drawn to meditation. Even with meditation though I need
a source to guide me through it, a video, an audio narration to
keep me focused. I can’t trust myself to do it, no way, I am too
detached from solid ground. When we shut down and embrace the
simple things I think we open up new possibilities to see more of
the beauty that surrounds our lives. When I was working at my
highly emotional, stressful job as a Counsellor and Educator I
never felt like I was in the moment. I was constantly trying to
multi-task, figure out what I needed to say or do next. I felt
like, with so much to do, I was unable to feel or experience anything
in the moment. I shut off and shut down so much on the weekend
when I was with my husband and my kids-the moments that were
most precious to me-that I don’t recall truly experiencing any of the
dear moments I had with them. I was in a constant dark, robotic state of
actively conquering the massive to do list of responsibility. It wasn’t
until one month into my medical leave that I truly felt a moment with
my children-a moment where I was truly present and emotionally engaged.
My daughter was holding a song sheet of Christmas carols that she was
rehearsing for her Christmas choir. Her thin legs dangling over the armrest
of the chair, an instrumental piano recording playing in the background and
her sweet, precious voice singing passionately about snowmen and Santa Claus.
I felt the moment fully. I was just sitting, with no other distractions, my mind
was completely clear, she was the only focus. It was such a poignant moment.
It was as though the dark veil that had clouded me lifted and the light finally
shone through. I began to weep, mourning the loss of so many of the moments
spent with my children and husband-present but emotionally, mentally and
spiritually vacant. In order to fully experience our lives, we must simplify
or else we will never have time to see the simple things, they will just be
melded together with the mass amounts of stuff we do and bombard
ourselves with day and night.
Today’s focus will be about embracing the simple moments
in our lives.
Morning Meditation-Morning Flute Meditation
Physical Activity-Go for a walk, alone in nature. Pay attention
to your surroundings and the silence of the act.
Self Care Ritual: Soak in a hot bath with lavender oil and espom
salts. Light candles and lay in the hot water fully immersed except
your face. Embrace the silence.
Simplicity Activity: Turn everything off and just sit and reflect
as you gaze out the window-or better yet in your outside space.
Write about the experiences in your journal.
Inspired Listening & Viewing-Infinite Waters-How to Be Yourself
Go with the Flow
Inspired Listening & Viewing: Eckhart Tolle Reveals How to Silence the
Voices in Your Head-with Oprah Winfrey.
Evening Meditation: Quieting the Mind & Verbal Chatter:
Peace, Love & Namaste
Em
90 Days to Spiritual Enlightenment 