- Journal Entry #8 — Seeing It Otherwise
There is no destination in life. Not really. But there is an illusion of movement or so-called progress.
Time, however, is actually more like an invisible conveyor belt without beginning or end. And we are its passengers. Standing in place, but convinced we are moving forward.
Yes, the scenery shifts before our mesmerized eyes: people, places, things, and so on. Even the calendar reflects the continual flux of concepts called dates, months, years. The seasons look and feel different; the mirror reveals some sort of ongoing transformation that feels personal; and the mind is ever alert to popular ideas called Past, Present, Future.
- But shifting my perceptions, my assumptions, my reactions, also shift. I am able to “see it otherwise.”
So I am stepping back, giving the depth of experience its due.
Because when I finally see through the illusion of forward-movement, I am better able to resist its meaningless magnetism.
Stepping back, I know that “I am” … stepping back, I encounter the “self” that is much more than the mind-made version conveniently created by the cultural, historical, and family stories I was supposedly “born” into.
The whole theory of the universe is directed unerringly to one single individual – namely to You. ~Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, 1892
I can, for instance, step back into silence and find almost everything I need to know.
Or I can step back into “knowing,” finding pure contentment well beyond mind-made drama.
When you find yourself thinking, thinking, thinking … running in circles to understand something or to make a point … step back. When you find yourself quick to disagree, or living with a closed mind … step back. Take a deep breath … and step back again. When you find yourself talking talking talking … pause, or stop. Are you present? Are you aware? Do you even know what you are saying, or why?
- Where are all the words really taking you? Are they also part of the illusion?
- How much analysis (of people, places, things) is actually needed; how much of it is merely a meaningless mental exercise created (and sustained) by ego? Can you learn to stop analyzing everything — become comfortable with just “being” — leaving all the mind games in the dust of yesterday? Isn’t all the mental chatter a bit exhausting anyway?
- Can you admit to “not knowing” … find shelter there, and peace?
- Can you step back to discover your spiritual depth? It will take you beyond mind and time; it will illuminate a timeless path. ~ dh
And remember, no matter where you go, there you are. ~Confucius
Thanks for stopping by today. See you in a couple of weeks!
Seeing It Otherwise, our spiritual journey for 2013, focuses on exploring perceptions, assumptions, and reactions. It’s a great opportunity to journal or meditate on the ideas and questions presented. Blog posts will serve as brief journal entries every other Friday morning. I hope you’re enjoying this close-up of life and spirituality. Next journal post: May 24th.
