Clarity is beyond Happiness.
When the mind is unlocked we are awake; the impurity preventing us from opening the mind to the true nature of reality is there to be seen, yet hidden by the mind itself.

The process of awakening may occur over many decades, but then suddenly we are instantly awakened. We see that the mind was deceiving us into thinking 'I am the mind'; it was deceiving us into thinking I am the emotion that rises & falls. Yet these emotions are simply experiences created by the collection of scattered thoughts, which are created by the winds of moments in time. Thoughts, which are, simply aggregate of information; these aggregates creating an emotion (which I can experience), but these emotions are not I.
These emotions are all impermanent, unsatisfactoriness, and not I. 
These emotions are simply metaphysical moments, nothing more - nothing less.
My mind has no business clinging to these things.

When we awaken we can recognize (see) the emotion's transient nature, and we become at peace with the process; indeed we become fulfilled by the process itself.

In order to be awake, one simply needs to leave these experiences alone. Witness the emotions that rise and fall; enjoy the experience of the witnessing, and then simply allow them to move on - as is their natural path. Emotions are energy-in-motion (they are not mine to hold; they are not me).

On the day I finally saw the truth, I clung to an emotion that briefly arose in me from the knowledge I had experienced. For the briefest of moments I clung to the emotion of fear; it lasted but only 1 breath, then I released it. Perhaps this was the final fetter of my suffering? The fear I clung to, the fear that I would forget this awareness that I am; and then I smiled, and let it go. (I released the clinging, and embraced the unknown).

My mind is now at peace, the cycle of clinging and aversion are truly broken when I am awake; and now, with clarity, comes the enjoyment of the remainder of this journey. I will practice to be awake, to be one with peace-of-mind. Happiness, unhappiness, and all the emotions that fall under their umbrellas are but experiences to be witnessed, not emotions to claim as Self.

I understand, now I am awake; I shall thoroughly enjoy the practices of not forgetting; I can simply experience, let go, and enjoy the next moment of clarity each time.

With my deepest thanks to all of my teachers (with notable thanks to) Neem Karoli Baba; Zen Master Doam Sunim; Phra Bodhiñanathera; Bhikkhu Bodhi.

Living Life is not the same as existing
Life is a continuum of gifts; sometimes pleasant, sometimes not so pleasant, yet all experiences are gifts. Accepting and embracing the cycle is living, resisting the cycle is the cause of all suffering – it is the painful place of existing.
 
What is being human?
Often we are required to fulfill the portion of the journey as being human, as opposed to human being.
Being human is experiencing discomfort; acknowledging the existence of discomfort, and witnessing the process toward the alleviation of discomfort.
 
I personally witness discomfort often; and although I have the tools to process it, I am continually taught that the tools are but one piece of the puzzle. The practice I am often offered is the practice of allowing time to play its role.
 
Discomfort is not something to be fixed or removed, it is a phenomenon to be experienced. The desire to remove discomfort as quickly as possible becomes the cause of the next level of discomfort we experience. The stronger the desire to remove it, the greater the discomfort becomes.
 
When we practice to recognize and allow discomfort to be present in the moment (which is one of the more difficult practices), we are processing the gift of awareness of impermanence. By admitting discomfort is present, and allowing it space to share with me the message it is here to offer, I am acknowledging life; I am living.
 
Suffering exists; we experience suffering in order to develop compassion toward those who suffer, with the knowledge we all suffer.
 
Practice to witness suffering in the Self; practice to hold this experience, and to witness the cessation of suffering by allowing time to play its role as you process the emotion; and use this experience to extend love toward all those who suffer.
 
Suffering exists
All people suffer
There is a pathway to the cessation of suffering
Suffering ends
 
 
Click Here to learn how to live life fully

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 


Paul J Pettit
Born in Sydney Australia in 1963.


Paul is a practitioner of *naturopathy, certified life coach, certified reflexologist, & certified naturopathic usui shiki ryoho reiki therapist. He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays

Paul specializes in mindfulness-based practices.

* Naturopaths use natural therapies to treat pathology or diseases and dysfunctions.
For more information on Paul Pettit - http://www.paulpettit.com