Essential aliveness

As we learn to tap into the interior of our body and inhabit it, we can sense a subtle current of aliveness that runs vertically through the core. It feels like a clear, luminous line of energy that runs upward close to the spine. It seems to well up from the ground like a pure spring and feels as if it radiates high above our head. If you imagine that your body is suspended in midair by a fine line located at the top of your head, you may get a sense of it.

I call it the current of life because it contains an essential aliveness and intelligence. The fewer filters we have – limiting beliefs, emotional reactions, and somatic contractions- the easier it is to sense this core animating luminosity.

Adyashanti

Four thoughts

Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind 

Gather your attention on the inhale; 
drop into the body on the exhale.
Reflect on these phrases: 
I am aware of the preciousness of human life. 
I am aware that death is inevitable
I am aware that whatever I do has a result. 
I am aware that if I focus on self-importance, I will experience suffering. 

Then, rest in openness.

Roshi Joan Halifax

An ongoing work

When we get our spiritual house in order, we’ll be dead. This goes on. You arrive at enough certainty to be able to make your way, but it is making it in darkness. Don’t expect faith to clear things up for you. It is trust, not certainty

Flannery O’Connor, 1925 – 1964. American novelist, Letter to Louise Abbott

Living your life

It is not about achieving your dreams but living your life.

If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you.

Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

A natural cycle

Losses aren’t cataclysmic if they teach the heart and soul their natural cycle of breaking and healing.

A real tragedy? That’s the loss of the heart and soul themselves. If you’ve abandoned yourself in the effort to keep anyone or anything else, unlearn that pattern. Live your truth, losses be damned. Just like that, your heart and soul will return home.

Martha Beck

Both rain and sun

The cloud weeps, and then the garden sprouts.
The baby cries, and the mother’s milk flows.
The Nurse of Creation has said, Let them cry a lot.

This rain-weeping and sun-burning twine together
to make us grow. Keep your intelligence white-hot
and your grief glistening,
so your life will stay fresh.
Cry easily like a little child.

Rumi