If we take a moment and look deeply, most of us will realize that in our heart we feel a desire to be more in harmony with our true nature, to recognize the inherent ability to rest in who and what we really are. Plants don’t feel this desire. They cannot create an image of themselves and therefore aren’t a bit confused about where they came from, or who they really are or how they should be.
On the other hand we humans are thinking beings. Whether we like it or not our minds play a significant role in our existence. This is also why it is so important to direct our minds toward that process of being in more harmony with our true Self. We can “think” from the heart, or as some people would say “live from the heart.” This does not mean that we should be motivated by passions, it means something totally different. Thinking (or living) from the heart means from our center, our core. This will establish a rock solid realization that we are a part of a greater whole, a whole from which nothing and no-one is excluded. And intuitively seeing that everything and everyone exists for this greater whole. Therefore this is our contribution, even if we do not know exactly what it is. Living from the heart, from the center or core, is a state where knowing is not a requirement.
Our True Nature…
We are often preoccupied with this or that and forget that there is an entire natural world that lives like this; in absolute harmony with who and what it really is. This we call “Nature,” and then we experience ourselves as outside observers, disconnected from it, which in turn creates the urge in us to seek “being with Nature.” Sadly, we frequently forget that we are an inseparable part of it, that it is always here, within us, exactly where we are, as close as the nose on our face.
When we consciously connect with our breath as it moves in and out of our body, and we truly feel our body, feeling the warmth, the presence and the “Nature” in our body. And this “Nature” has a voice of its own. According to Zen this is the voice of “no mind.” The body is equipped with an active mind, a thinking (or thought producing) apparatus, but in itself is still “no mind.” It functions from “no mind.” Just like everything in nature; no thought is necessary for a flower to open and release its fragrance for all to smell.
Meditation starts by inviting our mind to calm down, to be still, so that our hearts may open up to the voice of nature once again, to the voice of ‘no mind’. We can feel this voice of nature because it is identical to our center (our core).
And rest assured that this voice has never been lost, nowhere, neither inside of you or outside. Because that is simply just not possible. At most it may be overlooked, obscured, covered up by thoughts and/or emotions. But it is still resonating from deep within, patiently, diligently, knowing that sometime, someday when you take time to listen you will hear, and rediscover what has always been, always is, and always will be.
*Of related interest, click on: The Importance of Meditation to Yoga Practice
And…Mindfulness: Benefits & Cultivation…
*Rae Indigo is ERYT500.
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