Thoughts & Practice

I have a propensity to miss some of the lessons that come my way because I am not being attentive. Everything I need to learn is observable in my daily life. I look to others to teach me and there is merit in doing so. Others observe life, theirs and the life of others, and take notice of patterns. I realize there is a lot to learn from experts and the generic patterns they observe. Still if I want to learn more about my life and the patterns I live into, then I must give attention to my own life and the patterns arising there. What is it about this moment that is causing a feeling of constriction in my gut? What is it about this moment that is causing fear to arise? What is it that is giving me a sense of joy? Every moment in which I am present offers me a glimpse of the patterns and triggers of my own life. In turn, observing my life and its arisings teach me how I might be more present.

While observations of my life come freely to me, if I am to actually glean from the moment I must be awake to the moment. That is where practice comes in. I seek the practices that will disrupt the unconscious patterning of my life, the practices that will allow me to step back and catch a glimpse of what arises in any given moment. And every moment that I am alive is a “given moment,” a moment that is gifted to me!

Look for the practices that disarm and awaken. Meditation, journaling, lectio divina, breath work or yoga. Even drinking a cup of coffee mindfully. These offer a chance for us to learn. And life is a teacher.