 Fear not the Knot
Attachment to the illusions created by the ego-self manifests our suffering. Knowledge solidifies as we whittle-away each attachment. During prayer, meditation, or contemplation, a power from within highlights this truth. We begin to realize that 'I' hold freedom of choice. 'I' create the moment of experience. When resistance toward the external and internal states of flux is withdrawn, suffering diminishes, and is replaced by a state of calm. Here awareness of all illusion can be seen with clarity. God-realization is born; God the creator, preserver, and destroyer are not separate to 'Self'. 'Self' is not other-than; all is the one. The cycle of this awareness climaxes in death. Ultimately it is death that presents the gift of total non-attachment. The journey of illusion is utterly dispelled; there is no 'other' - no body to confuse the truth. This dropping of the physical body graces awareness upon the soul. The final knot of illusion is released. Fear not the knot, for it is truly an illusion, creating sufferring.
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 ALL THINGS ARE JUST AS THEY ARE
Things don't cause suffering in themselves. Attachment to them is the cause of suffering. Everything is what it is. However, as soon as we have a preference 'it' is changed. The 'thing' can be all-things, nothing, neither all or none, and both all and none - simultaneously. How we perceive 'it' creates the result - our reality of 'it'. Bring this awareness to the forefront; use it wisely, and the illusion of suffering will dissolve.  HOW TO SUCCEED ?
Those who follow the path will reach the point of realization; they cannot fail! While those who live a life of folly, blindly chasing that which is already present, shall wander aimlessly until their final day. In order to succeed, one must set their compass and use the map within, then fulfillment shall arise of its own accord. Be prepared to loosen your grip, to surrender and be drawn forth. Embrace this journey of unknown, for herein the answer is to be found.  Witness a thought, hold it gently to experience the feeling it creates, then release it. This is how wisdom is developed.
As we practice to quiet the thinking mind we begin to see clearly; we begin to witness the ‘Gestalt’ of it all. * Gestalt: the way a thing has been ‘placed’ or ‘put together’. It is imperative to embrace a deeper level of practice that releases the thought that “I should” take care of everything outside of Self. Listen to what speaks within your own self to witness what current part you play in the Webb of totality. Hold awareness that your job is to be you; to be the piece of the puzzle which is meant to fulfill the segment required to be filled at this period in time. By reaching this higher level of consciousness we clearly see that the Webb is what you are, and at this juncture what you are doing is the obvious thing to do. You are not merely a drop in the ocean, you are the ocean in a drop ! Begin to trust your intuitive decision-making as to what to do, rather than your rational analytic process of what to do. Embrace the wisdom.  What is the Goal of life?
We are often mistaken by thinking 'The Goal' of life is to achieve a result. However the sage teachings found in eastern practices proffer that the goal is not to achieve a result; it is to experience the richness found in each moment. The result is already achieved; what you choose to do with it determines your personal outcome. This does not equate to do nothing; it equates to making a concerted effort to not always 'do'. "Happiness' for example is best described by the Greek word eudaemonia:'human flourishing or fulfillment'. In other words, to be 'happy' we need only accept the gift offered in each moment of time - whatever that may represent. And, like any gift, the present moment of time offers us agency to do with it as we wish. It is called the present moment because it is exactly that, 'a present'. Learn the art of wei wu wei When we strive to attain a goal, we often forget the law of antithesis is required for anything to become a reality. Many thousands of years have passed since the simple practices of wei wu wei were shared, and somewhere along the path they were left behind. So if happiness is your GOAL, then practice to cease chasing it. You will be amazed at the realization that you probably already have it, and you didn't even realize.  Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism are three major philosophical and spiritual traditions that originated in Asia. Although these traditions differ, they also share many similarities in their beliefs and practices. In this blog, I will share some of these similarities.
The concept of karma Karma is a concept that is central to both Hinduism and Buddhism. According to this concept, every action that a person takes has consequences, and these consequences will affect that person's future. In both traditions, the idea is that if a person does good deeds, they will be rewarded in the future, and if they do bad deeds, they will be punished. This 'cause-and-effect' rule of karma shows up in each present moment - the past is affecting the present; it is a reflection of your past actions. Taoism also acknowledges the concept of karma but interprets it differently. Taoism teaches that one should not be attached to the consequences of their actions, but rather focus on living in harmony with the Tao. The Tao, to use.a simple format of explanation, is an alchemic formulae of nature and existence. Along the same lines as gravity existing as a formulae of nature and existence. It is a law or principal. The belief in reincarnation Reincarnation is another concept that is common to all three traditions. All three believe that the soul or spirit of a person does not die when the physical body dies. Instead, it is reborn into a new body. The concept of reincarnation is tied to the idea of karma, as a person's actions in one life will determine their circumstances in the next. The emphasis on meditation Meditation is a practice that is central to all three traditions. Buddhism and Hinduism both emphasize the importance of meditation as a way to achieve enlightenment or liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Taoism also values meditation, but it is seen more as a way to cultivate inner peace and harmony. The idea of detachment All three traditions emphasize the importance of detachment from material possessions and worldly desires. In Buddhism, this is seen as a way to overcome suffering, while in Hinduism, detachment is necessary for the attainment of moksha, or liberation. In Taoism, detachment is seen as a way to live in harmony with the Tao and to cultivate inner peace. The recognition of the interconnectedness of all things The concept of interconnectedness (or interdependence) is also present in all three traditions. In Hinduism, it is expressed through the idea of Brahman, the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. In Buddhism, it is reflected in the teaching of dependent origination, which states that all things arise in dependence on other things. Taoism also acknowledges the interconnectedness of all things and emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature. In conclusion, while there are certainly differences between Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, there are also many similarities. These traditions share a common emphasis on meditation, detachment (non-attachment), karma, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of all things. We create the results in our life By understanding the similarities of these three philosophical and spiritual traditions, and engaging in practices (tools and techniques) that produce a deeper appreciation for the rich and diverse spiritual traditions of Asia, we discover that we are creating our own suffering in life, and therefore we are in a position to rectify the situation. Do you want to take back control of your life? More information can be found Here  We are constantly gifted opportunities to recognize, and practice to release, the habit of conceptual thinking.
WHAT IS CONCEPTUAL THINKING? Conceptual thinking is the attachment of thought, with the belief that thought is real. This creates suffering. CESSATION OF SUFFERING. Any attachment of thought creates suffering. However, when awareness is developed, thoughts are no longer held captive by the mind; awareness of attachment is achieved, and the pathway to the cessation of suffering is present. Follow this path and all shall been seen clearly. Development of awareness The development of awareness is gained through the practices of mindfulness, surrender, and gratitude. It is the journey itself that reveals the truth; and therefore the pathway must be walked by each individual in order to arrive at the destination of the cessation of suffering. How? Become familiar with attachment; attachment is found in the realms of desire and aversion, the causes of emotional suffering. There are many tools available to assist one to recognize, and work upon, the release of desire and aversion. Refer here for examples To truly free the Self from all suffering, the practice of Dhutanga will need to be engaged: Dhutanga: The practices that are hard to do. As you develop skills, (by using tailored tools or techniques), the aspirant will often be asked to pause and consider what their practices are aiming toward. If it is to ‘acquire’ freedom from suffering, then practice harder to release the things that are preventing wisdom. Cease seeking for an answer, and use whatever is staring you in the face, to become wiser. Whatever you crave is the object of practice! What can you not let go of? What can you not do without? What can you not surrender? What can you not quit? In truth, there is nothing that cannot be left behind (ultimately we drop the body and leave everything behind). Learning to leave things behind, (non-attachment) while in the body, is the greatest reward you can gift yourself. Do not be in rush; take one step at a time and the journey itself will bring success. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Having undertaken studies for the past 8 years, and successfully fulfilled the criteria required, Paul is a certified Life Coach, certified Reflexologist, & certified Naturopathic Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Therapist, specializing in mindfulness-based practices; He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify). Paul offers 1-to-1 in-person services in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia; and Life Coaching services are offered globally through various web platforms. Individually tailored tools and techniques are shared, to enable clients to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior. For Links & more information on Paul PettitClick HERE  Any representation of a thing is not the thing itself.
“I think I am”...are merely words explaining a representation of that which I think I am... and therefore, because it is merely a representation, whatever description that follows is not you. Unpack this further and we will discover that “I am all things at different moments in time and space”. Therefore it stands to reason, if I am all things, I am in fact no certain or specific thing. And to unpack that even further, if I am no specific thing, I am therefore no thing. “I am nobody.” I always have been, and always shall be nobody. Upon realization of this knowledge you will become free from attachment. Period. Once free from attachment, the being is left to enjoy moments of time by witnessing each moment pass by. The moment is merely a moment. It is not a representation of the being, nor is it something in or of itself. It too is nothing; and therefore it too is also a potential something, hence it too is everything (it has the capability to produce moments made up of every thing). Each moment is a nothing, and therefore an everything. Yet, like the thing called me, each moment is neither permanent nor real (it is not real because one moment it exists, and the next it does not. if it does not exist in the next moment, it cannot be classified as ‘real’; it is non-existent. The ultimate answer to who am I? I am Nobody, which is experiencing never ending moments of being a representation of something. A microcosm that is in a constant state of flux. I am THAT which witnesses the macrocosm, which in itself is in a constant state of flux. I am nobody witnessing the potential of everything that is created from the space of nothingness. DEVELOPING AFFECT REGULATION:
Meditation is a vehicle that offers training in Samadhi (concentration). Concentration makes the mind firm and steady, which creates peacefulness of mind. Usually our untrained minds are moving and restless, difficult to control and manage. Such a mind is distracted by the senses, loose and wild, like leaves in the wind. The mind that is trained and controlled will be of immeasurable benefit, offering more blessings than an untrained mind. A trained mind has the ability to witness itself (metacognition) and will willingly adopt positive changes in behavior. However a trained mind alone is still not the answer to emotional freedom. Self-compassion, and the development of self-awareness are also integral parts to developing emotional freedom, the ability to remain regulated during uncomfortable emotions. Mindfulness is the Discovery of Self-Knowledge. The training of the mind can be done many ways, with many different methods. The most useful method, one that can be practiced by all types of people, is mindfulness of breathing. This is where meditation becomes the vehicle for developing affect regulation. I am yet to meet one client who has not benefited from mindfulness and mediation; which is why I am so passionate to share these gifts. 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 series of self-help books, and Podcast host of the weekly podcast show 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  Practicing Mindfulness.35 Daily Mindfulness Moments to create calm
Practicing to focus your attention during everyday moments. Bringing your attention into focus throughout the day is what is often referred to as “being in the present moment.” This week, practice bringing your attention into focus, during these everyday moments, starting from Morning through to Evening. Note: You will periodically notice that you have forgotten to bring awareness to the forefront of what you are doing, which is perfectly normal at first, so be patient with yourself as you move through the exercise During these activities: Move deliberately slower Breathe deliberately slower Bring awareness to each individual action, and body part used, while performing the task Perform the task in slow-motion to enable yourself to be mindful of each action, and each moment 1. Waking / stretching 2. Making the bed 3. Brushing your teeth 4. Showering or bathing 5. Washing you hair 6. Shaving & moisturizing 7. Toweling your body 8. Dressing 9. Walking to the kitchen 10. Preparing breakfast 11. Eating breakfast 12. Washing Dishes / stacking the dishwasher 13. Making Tea / Coffee 14. Filling-up a water bottle 15. Walking between rooms 16. Washing hands 17. Vacuuming 18. Reading 19. Using a computer 20. Writing 21. Sitting 22. Shopping 23. Using public transport 24. Waiting for the microwave to finish 25. Brushing your hair 26. Being outdoors 27. Logging-in to check your e-mail 28. Seeing/watching a loved one 29. Talking on the phone 30. Listening to music 31. Sitting down/standing up/bending 32. Beginning/completing an activity/task 33. Eating dinner 34. Showering 35. Getting ready for bed 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 series of self-help books, and Podcast host of the weekly podcast show 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 |
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