Wow, these are BIG topics, aren’t they? But in my experience, with these two spiritual tools in your back pocket, and the confidence to USE them, life is much much easier. Case in point: when conflict arises, if one can discern (another word for discrimination) what is the “correct” choice, the “next right thing to do,” even if that means…really…doing nothing! well, this is a real life asset. And of course, when we get to the place where we are able to discern what it is, what course of action, what choice to make that will make our lives more full, happier, and more pleasureable, the next thing is….to let go! but how? what to do, what to do, when people, places, things, politics, weather, or life … bothers us. Something is always gonna bug us, unless of course (ahem!) one is a saint. unlikely, my friends, unlikely. more like this….

lost in the canyons of life's dilemmas

in yogic philosphy we call discrimination “viveka” and it is a very essential part of growing along the path that leads to enlightenment. without viveka, we tend to get stuck. So! How do we practice viveka? Well, for me I have learned how by working with what I consider is the greatest spiritual master alive today. Of course each of us has our own preference, as to which path, and what teachings we adhere to. After many years of searching I finally found my teacher, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda (more info at www.siddhayoga.org) who is a meditation teacher, and an adherent of the traditional methods of spiritual attainment as described in the world’s oldest scriptures, the Vedas. Gurumayi, as she’s affectionately called, has taught me that I must “go within” and listen, in order to discern what is right from what is wrong. This practice of going within, meditation, is the best way I know of about how to “determine” whether an action should or shouldn’t be taken, a person is “right” or “wrong” and any other of life’s decisions. Without meditation, on a regular basis, I’d be in real trouble.

going within

Simply put, meditation is the stilling of the outward senses. It’s much easier than most people think. Well, because when you meditate—you don’t think! You pick something to focus on, besides a thought. It could be the sound of the ocean. Or a word (a mantra), or a short phrase (a longer mantra) or a beautifully inspiring mandala, a painting, or a candle. Whatever you choose, just give yourself a peaceful, clean, quiet environment in which to do this meditation.

When we had kids in the house I actually would go into a closet and sit on the floor and place my hands over my head so that my thumbs would conveniently stick into my ears, plugging them up. This is a real meditation position, believe it or not! And quite effective when there is noise around. Of course it’s nice if you live in a serene place. But if not, don’t let that stop you from meditating! Even the sound of sirens and a leaky faucet can disappear when one has learned to concentrate on the “meditation tool” rather than letting outside distractions keep one from “listening to God”…which is what meditation is.

go to your Higher Self

Relax. let your worries go. Empty your mind. Empty your “cup” and let it be filled with the wonders of the Universe!

And then….after some time in quiet meditation, just come back to your daily life, and whatever was bothering you before—let it go! pretend it’s a leaf and you’ve tossed it to the wind, and watch it as it swirls and dives and dips, and….whoosh!….disappears!

This may take some practice. So please don’t be impatient. Just sit quietly for meditation every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes. You’ll notice the positive effect on your life immediately, i promise.

you will see that the canyons of life’s challenges, that before used to get you down and depressed, can become avenues of growth and opportunity! it’s all in the way you look at things.

Go within. Listen to Great Spirit whisper in your ear.

in the Light, with much love, lordflea