Sunday, March 23, 2014

Marching toward.......level green

Yogis,

Where February feels so brief, March seems to have a long shelf life.   I originally thought this would be the final “Marching toward” email regarding meditation, only to look at the calendar and realize there is yet one more Sunday this month.   And this March keeps reminding us that winter is not quite done with us, so take this as a sign from the Universe to continue the focus inward.  Spring will be here soon enough and the pace of life will quicken in a hurry.  

I would like to focus this week on worry as it is one of our most common thought patterns that keep us from seeing this moment clearly…..and one that meditation can help to lessen.   

Our system has its own internal security alert system.  Our natural state is one of feeling safe and calm.   Not having to be on guard.  In olden times we went into a higher alert for reasons such as being chased by a bear, or spotting a tornado in the distance.  Adrenaline is meant for true fight or flight situations.  

But today’s pressures, deadlines, multitasking and that drive to have it all, have caused our internal emotional state to be more like the Homeland Security Alert System………
 
dhsadvisory

…….where we often find ourselves, like our county, at a steady state of yellow, with sporadic jumps up to orange.  Worry becomes the norm.  The baseline from which we view the world. 

But here is the thing about worry.   There is absolute nothing that is helped by worry.  Nothing.  I know, I know….that can’t be true.  If I don’t worry and keep all of the bad possibilities in mind, they are more likely to happen.  But it is quite the opposite. 

Worry is a spiral of thoughts that is very constricting, and stresses the body.  Worry goes round and round and round and has absolutely nothing to do with this moment.  Worry is about the future, which doesn’t exist in this moment.   But the worry itself does exist in this moment, blurring our vision, causing us to view the world from a suspicious, guarded position.  Expecting things to happen.   Worry is negative energy.   And you know what?  Our thoughts become things.   So we want to pick the good ones!

So how does meditation help?

If you stop and notice this moment – just this moment……very rarely is there something to worry about.  This moment is pure, it is here and things are ok.   Big exhale to that……  Aaaaahhhhh……………..

Meditation is about doing just that.  A conscious daily stopping and noticing of this moment, exactly as it is .  Feeling the gift of the breath inside.  Sensing the support of the earth underneath us.  Accepting a hug from the benevolent force of the Universe.  Seeing clearly. 

And the more we are able to do this in meditation, the more it spills over into daily life.  Noticing as soon as the worry creeps in and drawing ourselves back to the present moment.  Seeing that yes, everything at this moment is ok, and moving forward from there.  Making decisions that must be made.  Showing compassion to others who need it.  Helping those that need our support.  Taking action.  All from a place of clarity that isn’t distorted by worry.  You just know what to do.   These are the things that make a difference. 

We draw toward us that which we send out.  Meditation, over time, allows us to choose our thoughts.  So my vote is for a whole lot more level green!!!!   Grounded, relaxed and safe.  With spikes only when required that quickly drop back down as soon as necessary action is taken. 

Your body will be grateful, your sleep will be deeper, and there will be a lot more space for joy – which is what life is all about. 

 
I see you and you are perfect,



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