The Profound Essence of Life: Embracing the Present Moment
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Chapter 1: The Beauty of Being Present
Have you ever encountered instances when you are fully engaged in the moment, and your senses feel heightened, leading to an overwhelming sense of gratitude for simply existing? I experienced such a moment yesterday while strolling with my children on a gorgeous summer afternoon. The sun had just entered Leo, indicating the peak of summer. As I walked down a familiar street, I became aware of the gentle buzz of insects, the golden tones of the grass, and the constant fragrance of blooming flowers.
In these instances, I have discovered the essence of life itself — the pure joy of experiencing and observing the world around us. Although this idea is straightforward, mastering it can be quite difficult. I often find myself having fleeting moments of clarity while navigating my unique spiritual journey. Each day, I aspire to connect these conscious moments to inhabit a state of heightened presence. Ironically, the more I strive, the more elusive this state becomes. When I exert too much effort, my mind takes over, and presence begins to fade away.
How can we learn to be present, value what is, release our mind's desires, and accept reality as it stands?
I often ponder the nature of existence. These reflections have preoccupied me since childhood. As I've matured and gained knowledge, my understanding has evolved, revealing a simpler truth. The essence of life is simply to live.
Pause and consider this for a moment. What if our purpose is to experience the highs, lows, and everything in between? Numerous spiritual teachings suggest we are all interconnected. Meditation serves as a means to connect with that universal energy or Source. We can view meditation as a respite from the sensory overload we encounter daily, offering an essential practice to ground us.
But what if we shifted our perspective from seeking to feel nothing to cherishing the ability to feel everything?
While I acknowledge that life can be chaotic and filled with moments of despair, recognizing that these experiences are why we are here can liberate us from enduring suffering and help us cultivate peace with the present.
How can one attain this? I do not profess to be an expert, but I wish to share some practices I have found beneficial along this journey.
Section 1.1: Following Your Spanda
You might wonder, what is Spanda? I learned about it from Tosha Silver, my favorite teacher of astrology and surrender. Spanda can be interpreted as "vibration" or "pulsation," representing the dynamic energy of the universe. It embodies the subtle movements that underpin all of creation, considered the very essence of reality. Following your Spanda means attuning to the subtle energies residing within you. Have you ever felt an internal urge to take action or, at times, to refrain from doing something? That sensation is your Spanda guiding you on your path, and ignoring it can lead to complications.
Recently, I encountered fascinating research regarding plasma within the scientific realm. The parallels between Spanda and plasma struck me immediately. Plasma, often termed the fourth state of matter alongside solid, liquid, and gas, occurs when atoms lose their electrons, resulting in a collection of charged ions and free electrons. This energetic, ionized gas can conduct electricity and interact with magnetic fields. While both Spanda and plasma relate to energy and movement, their origins and contexts differ. Spanda delves into the philosophical and spiritual exploration of reality and consciousness, whereas plasma is a physical state studied within the realm of physics. My Aquarius moon delights in discovering scientific explanations for spiritual notions, and I feel compelled to delve deeper into the similarities between plasma and Spanda.
Subsection 1.1.1: Embracing Uncertainty
Have you ever heard the Chinese proverb regarding the farmer and his son? The narrative begins with the farmer’s horse escaping, prompting the neighbors to express their sympathy for his misfortune. The farmer, however, replies, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.” When the horse returns with wild mares, the neighbors rejoice at the farmer's good fortune, yet he simply responds, “We’ll see.” When the son breaks his leg while training one of the mares, the farmer remains stoic, recognizing the unpredictability of life, even as others lament his bad luck. Later, when the army comes to draft his son for war, the injury prevents him from serving, prompting the neighbors to again applaud the farmer’s good luck, to which he replies, “Maybe, we shall see.”
I find this story and its lessons compelling. The essence is that there is no such thing as good or bad luck; only life and its circumstances. By going with the flow, you cultivate a constant sense of peace. While some may argue that the story lacks excitement due to the absence of dramatic events, I believe that is precisely the point. Life is a continuous evolution with no definitive conclusion. Even in death, life persists, and your peaceful presence lingers with those who cherished you.
Chapter 2: Embracing the Chaos of Life
Life can often feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to become mired in its complexities. However, as long as you eventually reconnect with your intrinsic nature, you will find your way back to inner tranquility. Embrace the chaos of existence, and remember that nothing is permanent; everything eventually transitions.
“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.”
This wisdom, attributed to Lao Tzu, a revered ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism, serves as a reminder. In moments of depression or anxiety, reflect on these profound words.
While it may be challenging, let us endeavor to fully inhabit each moment, appreciating the beauty of our existence and the fluid nature of the world around us. In doing so, we will foster a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the universal energy that flows through all things. Happy living!
This enlightening video by Sadhguru delves into the question, "What is the Purpose of Life?" exploring the profound aspects of existence and our role within it.
In this TEDx talk, Adam Leipzig shares insights on discovering your life purpose in just five minutes, offering a practical approach to aligning with your true calling.