The Joy Of Being...Who You Are

We all have this one essential truth in common….

The only time any of us have to experience life, as we know it,

who we truly are, is right this moment…for that is all there is.

Library’s, bookstores, the internet and just about any other place that makes information available can be found piece upon piece, book upon book, on the subject of living in the present moment. Down through the ages, spiritual leaders and scholars alike have spoken and written much on this topic, and yet, we human’s have continued to live between our two ears, in the world of pain and suffering. Why is this? Is there a solution?

The purpose of the mind is to create an identity (Ego). This is done simply thru the illusion of separation (thoughts, notions, images, labels, words, judgments, this over that). To the degree that we identify with the mind (ego), as in, that’s who we are, is the degree that we experience separation and enter the world of lack, pain, suffering and destructiveness. This does not have to be. The mind is a superb instrument when used proper or correctly. How then can you avoid living in the poverty of your mind?

There is only one way to free yourself from your mind. That is by living in the present moment. Easy to say, but how? To the ego, the present moment hardly exists. It is always concerned with keeping the past alive, because without it, who are you if not your stories? It constantly projects itself into the future to ensure it’s continued survival (remember the ego is terrified perceived death) hoping to find some kind of release or ultimate fulfillment. You cannot find the present moment as long as you are your mind.

An ancient writing, one of my favorites, states:

“Watch your thoughts, they become your words

Watch your words, they become your actions

Watch your actions, they become your habits

Watch your habits, they become your character

Watch your character, it becomes your destiny”

In my practice, during a session, it’s not uncommon for a client to discover that they have thoughts and that they are not their thoughts. When directed to watch while observing their thoughts, the question is asked, “Who’s doing the observing?” The experience of the ‘observer becoming the observed’ quietly and gently opens the awareness of the space between your thoughts, between the breathe, that which you are, stillness and peace.

In our everyday life, we can make it a practice of developing the capacity to enjoy the simple pleasures of life…seeing, hearing, touching, feeling, breathing, etc. without thought, without judgment. When you do a routine activity, give it your fullest attention by noticing (watching) when your not. Pay close attention when your walking, your body’s motion, your breathing. Embrace the wonderful act of washing your hands with the sense perceptions kicked in…sight, hearing, smell, feel. And when you eat, allow yourself to slow down, to taste and savor the experience of this fulfilling activity.

…”For me there is only the traveling on the paths that have heart, on any path that may have a heart. There I travel, and the only worthwhile challenge for me is to transverse it’s full length…looking, looking, breathlessly.” –Carlos Castaneda

There is one certain test by which you can measure the value of your success in this practice: the degree of peace you will feel, and with peace, comes joy, the Joy of Being.

Tonda Adams JD., CCHT.

MtnQuest Hypnotherapy

Solutions For Living A Healthier Life

www.mtnquest-hypnotherapy.com

775-885-2588