Expansion of Consciousness – Spring story of two birds

We’ve been talking about ways to expand the consciousness and the last time we talked about how someone we admire could be a catalyst for our growth. Today it feels like spring is in the air and I see a bird on the tree outside my window. This brings to mind the story of the two birds from the Mundaka Upanishad.

In my mind the story unfolds …. There are two birds who live on the same tree, one at the very top and the other on a lower branch. The lower one looks up in admiration of the other one, thinking the other radiates so much peace and contentment. The one on the lower branch spends it’s day busy looking for food tasting both bitter and sweet fruits. When it comes home it’s stomach is full but it still is not as happy as the other bird seems to be. It thought, “Oh that other bird looks so serene”. Everyday he would think about that other bird at the top of the tree and one day he resolved to get closer to that bird. When he got home at the end of the day he hopped closer and closer to that other bird, drawn irresistibly by the radiance of the other. The closer he got, the more delight he felt, he just couldn’t stop. The most amazing thing happens as he reaches the top branch, he realizes that bird at the top is none other than himself!

A beautiful story, no? “Like two birds of golden plumage, inseparable companions, the individual self and the immortal Self are perched on the branches of the selfsame tree. The former tastes of the sweet and bitter fruits of the tree; the latter, tasting of neither, calmly observes.” (Mundaka Upanishad 3:1:1).

So during the day when I experience the ups and downs of life, bewildered, suffering, hungry for more; I think of this story, recognizing that I am identifying with the bird on the lower branch of the tree but reminding myself I am also that bird that sits in serenity at the top of the tree. I am that Self that exists beyond judgement of good and bad, that lives and acts in flow, inspired and carried in every moment by Grace.

Spiritual books are a great source of inspiration for expansion of consciousness, don’t you find?. Tell me about your favorite source of inspiration. It seems to me that everything I see outside reminds me of the sacred. How about you?

Journaling the Retreat Expereince

As you know last weekend we had a retreat with Sri Vasudeva on discovering and living your life purpose. I’ve been journaling about the experience.

I am reflecting on what intentions I had going into the retreat and assessing how those intentions unfolded. As expected I came back with a treasure trove!

I am taking a look at the impact on my physical body. I was striving for a level of vitality and I have some discoveries that I want to explore further in myself, I’ll have to experiment to see the effect.

Sri Vasudeva is amazing in his ability to pick up energies in a space. I wanted to “catch” some of that capacity from him so I was paying special attention. I could detect the difference in my energy  from when I hugged him in greeting on Friday to when I said goodbye on Sunday. It was “cleaner”. In the process of the weekend I became aware of the energy impact of my thoughts. When I struggled to understand a concept that created a certain energy experience, when I sought help from my guides, from the Source that was another energy experience, when I engaged in casual conversation that energy had it’s own signature.

I won’t spoil it for you by giving too much details, in case you plan on looking at the retreat on pay per view or if you have the CDS or DVDS. I’ll just give a few points from my notes.

He started by talking about who is the “I” that is wanting to know it’s life purpose and the soul experience in the human body, our relationship with the Divine and our ultimate purpose in every lifetime. He spoke about the plans and preparations we made together with our guides before we incarnated and those plans are still in place and our guides are still available to us if we open ourselves to them. I want to consciously use this idea more.

Another interesting idea is to look at what is not working out in this life time and how this features in our life purpose. I want to deeply contemplate that one to better understand the point. He also spoke about the importance of taking care of the vehicle, the physical body, so that it can support us in our life purpose.

He provided five principles for living our life purpose: (1) Staying aware of our life purpose (2)Staying present to what life is currently offering us  (3) Staying connected with the higher self, the Divine & our Guides (4) Being an instrument of the Divine (5) Staying healthy.

A retreat is a time for refreshment and soul rejuvenation. I hope you have received a little of what we experienced this weekend. Have a wonderful day!

Setting & Fulfilling Intentions

We’re approaching March 25 when I plan to join Blue Star international’s  forty day sacred period. I have thought about what my intentions will be as I enter  these highly charged days. To come up with my intentions, I thought of my dreams for myself and then wondered about what is currently preventing me from achieving those dreams. That process makes it clearer for me to see what I would like to focus on. To motivate myself I have short-term and long-term intentions. The short terms ones are easier and faster to achieve. This is important for me, because I need the momentum to help me to tackle the more challenging aspects of my dreams.

anankkml / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I know myself well enough to know that I will make consistent efforts. So another important aspect is to look out for the signs of progress. Every day there is something to celebrate, even if it is that I kept the intention in my mind. In this way I keep open and keep my inner world optimistic. Every step counts!

I have one intention that is particularly challenging. So to start with, I am focusing on being able to embrace it as a possibility. This is the toughest part for me, knowing that, I am more patient and gentle with myself. This photo will be my inspiration. Each step takes one across the stream.

This is the process I follow in setting intentions. How about you, what helps you to set and fulfill your intentions?

This is my 200th post on this blog. My intention when I started was to share how I bring spirituality in daily living. I hoped the conversations would be simple, inspiring and bring more awareness  about the process of personal growth. Thank you to everyone who have supported me in the journey so far, special gratitude to those who stop by and join the conversation. To the quiet ones who read and contemplate the postings, I feel your presence too, thank you for the energy you contribute. Sometimes it feels like we are sitting together, sharing a cup of tea and having a wonderful chat!

Expanded Consciousness – new territory to explore and inhabit

This year I said I was seeking an expanded consciousness. What does expanded consciousness mean? Consciousness comes from the word conscious. If I am conscious about something it means that I am aware of it. So expanded consciousness to me, means to become more aware. What do I need to become more aware of?

One way I use to find that answer, is take someone I really admire, a role model. Then I write about them in as much detail as I can. The writing is important because it helps me to be more conscious of what I like about the person. Then I take a particular situation in which I felt that person really excelled. I write about what knowledge, skills and attitudes in that person contributed to their success. The reason for doing this part is I feel this person’s example can become an inspiration for me to grow in this type of awareness. Not just to admire them from afar but to become like them, to make the world a better place by shining a light just like they do.

Now comes the really exciting part. I look to myself to see how much of that knowledge I already have, how I am currently using those same skills in my life, in what situations have I manifested those same attitudes. This exercise brings up the most surprising information about myself, that I have this same type of excellence inside me! I also see how I can grow it.

When I first started using this exercise it was hard to think about how I could possibly already have that type of knowledge, skills and attitudes. The key I found was to persist, to keep open and to believe that I would find the answer. For example I knew I didn’t have  exactly the same level of knowledge as the person I admired, but it didn’t mean that I knew nothing whatsoever. You see my mind would become paralyzed by thinking that other person had so much more than me. When I discovered that I already had some of that information, then I felt I wasn’t starting from scratch. I felt hopeful.

Then comes the next stage; during my day I consciously set out to acquire the new data I felt I needed by going to sources of information around me; people, books, internet etc. I observed myself with the intention of catching myself whenever I displayed those qualities that I admired in the other person. It was so uplifting. Then it became easier to cultivate a wonderful inner stance.

That excellence may not express itself in exactly the same way as the other person, but the intention for me, was to use them as a catalyst for my growth, not to become them. So you see by doing this exercise I have a concrete and enjoyable way of discovering new territory in myself that I can explore, and eventually inhabit.

Putting Aside The Mantra

I love this picture of a rose. I want to hang this picture on my wall. I gather all my materials together to frame the picture. Then I get my drill to put a stud in the wall. What do I do with my tools when the picture is hung? I no longer need my tools because I’ve fulfilled my intention of hanging the picture.

Likewise I’ve been repeating the mantra during sitting meditation and periodically during the day. I feel I want to remind myself of my original intention for repeating the mantra. I started off the year seeking an expanded consciousness, resolving to open myself to the boundless Grace of the universe that is reaching out to me. I wanted to give attention to that subtle pull that draws me to the deepest part of my Being.

The mantra is a tool I have been using to quiet my mind so that I can allow that inner pull to become stronger and stronger, drawing me to that inner sacred space, where I can connect with the Source of my being. When I was hanging the picture it was clear when the task was completed and I no longer needed the tools. How will I know when I no longer need the mantra? I will  pay attention to the quietness of the mind, to notice when I become filled with the inner silence, to rejoice in that dynamic, buoyant space. In such a space the mantra seems like noise, it becomes an intrusion.

So now I know when I need to use the mantra and when I can put the mantra aside. Next I want to explore what expanded consciousness means to me.

Mahashivratri – Great Night of Shiva

We are approaching the Great Night of Shiva on Sunday February 19th. In preparation for that night if you read my post from last year you will see how I explored the chakras during chanting.

I plan to watch the Blue Star program starting at 8:00pm EST. It’s a great opportunity to experience the power of mantra repetition in a strong collective field.

I plan to observe myself as much as possible during that night, to notice the collective field, the way the energy changes during the night, the growth of the inner silence, the sweetness of the sacred inner space.

One of my favorite affirmations is “I am consciousness and bliss”. For me Shiva is synonymous with blissful awareness so I want to see how the chanting, talks and meditation that night will affect my experience of this affirmation.

What are your spiritual aspirations for the Great Night of Shiva?

Two Ways of Dealing with Persistent Thoughts

We’ve been talking about looking at the categories of thought that occupy the mind during the day. We said we would try sitting for a short period, fifteen to twenty minutes repeating the mantra and observing what comes up in the mind.

Today I want to talk about the types of persistent thoughts that come up. This type of thought reveal areas of our lives that need attention, they tell us we have pressing issues to sort through. These thoughts are difficult to remove from the mind unless examined and analyzed.

While I am sitting in meditation I promise myself I will deal with the thoughts outside of the meditation. during the meditation I keep the focus on the mantra and the gaps between each mantra repetition.

Once I’m out of the meditation I keep my promise. I deal with these types of thoughts in two main ways.

The first way is to use my intellect to try to figure out a solution. For further information I may read inspirational books or works of fiction that address a similar situation. I may look to movies to give me another perspective of the situation. Sometimes museums that give historical context are helpful, because there are few really new situations in life, many others in history would have faced a similar situation.

Another important way of dealing with persistent troubling thoughts is to look for inner guidance from the Universal wisdom field. Wisdom thoughts are different from ordinary thoughts. They are simple and seem to resonate with a unique energy. When they first start to arise I take note of them and after the meditation I consider the new information. At first I was cautious in following such thoughts. Now I know when I follow the guidance given I feel uplifted, I feel open, expansive….

I have more experience now and I find it easier to distinguish wisdom thoughts from the rest. Now I can actively seek such guidance. I can see those wisdom thoughts coming outside of the sitting meditation too. They may arise in my mind or they may come from the many sources of information around me.

If I stay stuck with a difficult situation and I can’t seem to find my way, then I seek help from someone who has experience and has the capacity to support me in working through my challenge. One way or the other I am determined not to stay stuck and somehow a way always opens up.

What is your experience of dealing with persistent thoughts? How do you over come them? Share your success strategies so that we all can top up the options we have, when persistent troubling thoughts occupy our minds.

 

The Game of Identifying Thought Patterns

As we talked about last week, I decided to dedicate fifteen minutes a day to find out what occupies my mind. My intention was to repeat my mantra, and observe the types of thoughts that arise in the consciousness during that time, recognizing these thought habits also occupy my mind during the day, even though I am not so aware of them. I said last week I would focus only on data collection and leave the analysis for today.

If you tried the practice with me you too would have discovered that it was not so simple to do. It took a lot of discipline not to get caught up in the individual thoughts. It was very helpful to pull back to see what kind of thought pattern was emerging, to describe the group of thoughts. Some of the categories I gave to my thoughts were “idle chatter”, “self-criticism”, “self-doubt”, “worry”.

Once I got the hang of it, I could identify the group a thought belonged to much faster.  It was a great game. How fast and how accurately could I identify the type of thought arising? The side effect was interesting because the number of thoughts seemed to subside for themselves. I began to see the thought taking form and before it could become full-blown I knew the category it belonged to.

Before this approach when thoughts arose during my mantra repetition, an incredible avalanche of self chastisement would follow. This approach took away the self chastising and replaced it with glee as I recognized the type of thought pattern.

Without consciously trying, the habit of identifying thought patterns slipped into my consciousness all during the day. It was fun. I enjoyed this new game.

Here is another surprise, even though I haven’t tried as yet to change any of the thought patterns they seem to be weakening of their own accord. I think it has something to do with the fun. Fun has a sneaky way of displacing negative thoughts . Before I felt a strong depressing effect caused by negative thoughts but this week I didn’t feel pulled down by them as I used to. In fact I feel very good. I feel ready to tackle these thought patterns and start the dismantling process.

How about you? What’s the past week been like for you? Join the conversation won’t you?

 

What occupies my mind?

In deciding for the past two weeks, to pause ten times a day to repeat the mantra ten times, it starts to become clear the kinds of thought patterns and feelings that dwell in the mind during the day. Do you notice such patterns?

I found the mind wanting to resist the practice. This resistance manifested itself in many ingenious ways- thoughts like, “I don’t have time right now” or “What can ten mantra repetitions really accomplish?” or “This is so silly, I have so many other things I could do” or “I’ll skip this one I will do the more advanced practice.” What was interesting is that I didn’t notice resistance when I wanted to make my donation of eight mantras. Did you?

When I pushed through and did it anyway I felt so good.I notice my mind has less chatter. I feel better overall. I noticed it was easier to hear the inner guidance and I had more confidence in following it.

This practice has made me very curious about the other habits in the mind that keep me disconnected from the Source of my being. Before jumping to any premature conclusions (another unproductive mind habit!) I will do some data collection. I plan to do the mantra repetition when I can take a note of the thought patterns in my mind. I will set aside maybe ten to fifteen minutes of quiet time to repeat the mantra. As the thoughts arise I will note their over all nature – trivial chatter, concern about someone or some decision, worry, replaying old memories etc. I will try to keep the focus on the mantra without getting distracted by any thought. After my period of mantra repetition I’ll try to capture the essence of the type of thoughts in a few words and jot them down.

I know these thought types occupy my mind during the day without my being aware of them. The next few days will be dedicated to learning what occupies the mind by taking 10-15 minute time out to repeat the mantra and just to observe what is in the mind.

On Monday I will begin analyzing the data and I will write about it here.

 

 

Will you donate eight mantras?

Our ultimate goal is to connect with the Source of our being and to sustain that connection and we want to take some concrete steps to achieve that goal.

We’ve laid good ground work this last week by pausing ten times during the day to repeat the mantra ten times for a total of one hundred mantras. As promised today I’d like to add another part to the practice.

Would you consider  donating eight mantras? You can donate your mantras to those who need physical, mental, emotional or spiritual healing. Another possibility is to donate to those who are struggling to survive, who need food, shelter, clothes. Perhaps you feel called to say your mantra for the environment; to purify the air, water and soil. May be you want to support all those who work for social justice. Or you might like to say your mantras to support all spiritual teachers. There are many possibilities. It would be great to hear about your donation.

This means that we are increasing our daily mantra amount to  108. When will we do our additional eight mantras? That’s the interesting part. We get a chance to experiment with when and how we say it. Will we say it at the beginning or end of the day? Do we prefer to say it at some special point during the day? Will we say all eight at the same time or do one at a time and spread them out throughout the day?

Here comes another very important part of the practice. Observe what impact the addition of these eight mantras make to the experience of the day.

Please share your experiences as we keep in mind those who are trying to do mantra repetition for the first time and who are sincerely seeking to take another step on the journey.

Enjoy! I’ll be back on Thursday.

Take Ten Pauses Today

Do you have the intention to do the hundred mantra practice?  Then I encourage you to go ahead and take the plunge today and you will naturally want to do it on the weekend. Thanks to all of you who have posted your experiences as you do the practice, all very inspiring.

The idea is to take ten pauses during the day and repeat a mantra or affirmation ten times as a way to manage and protect the mind.

I will post an addition to the practice next week. This addition will build on what we’ve been doing. In the mean time it’s good to spend time laying a good foundation before we move on.

Have a joy filled weekend and we’ll talk again on Monday.