Coming Back to Now: Part 1

We often consider modern times and the Western world, especially caught up in ego-consciousness and attachments. Whether or not this is a fact is a matter of debate. 

But as long as humans have been concerned with spiritual issues, there has been an interest in learning to rise above worldly concerns. 

There are at least two reasons to do this: One, to obtain connection or parity with divine things, and two, to mitigate the harms associated with unrestrained worry and desire.

Throughout the ages, spiritual leaders have developed methods for achieving what we often refer to as mindfulness, even though that is a misnomer. 

These techniques include forms of Yoga and yogic disciplines. They include fasting methods, persistent dancing, and chemicals, just to name a few.

The biggest misconception is that meditative or spiritual practice is only for those who have dedicated their lives to it. 

Wrong. 

What we call mindfulness is for everyone. There are yogic systems and meditative practices specially designed for those who intend to remain in the world, have jobs and families, tend property, be involved in business, politics, etc.

In some Eastern traditions, being committed to a family is a recognized spiritual path. The key is to do it consciously and with a purpose beyond your own life, especially your fears. 

You may be interested in learning that some believe meditation, mudras, and other spiritual practices are like a form of technology integrated into our bodies by divine forces to make us more resilient and more flexible to better cope with the many trials of living.

That, of course, is not a settled issue. The point is that mindfulness is not only for the isolated mystic on a secluded mountain peak. It is for every living human to access and become more awake, more energetic, and more resistant to destructive patterns of thought and emotion.

So, let’s do this together. Next time, we'll sort out a couple of common misconceptions to understand how these things are for everyone.

Peace, Love, Happiness,

Jason and Tim