The simple things in life bring me so much pleasure; including my weekly walk and talks with my dear friend, Chris. We started walking together during COVID and our meaningful connection and support has been so comforting and enriching these past couple of years.
Last week as we were walking through the woods, Chris was telling me about a book she was reading by Jack Cornfield. It talked about the importance of being on a spiritual path that is heart centred, and how quite often people can be drawn to paths that are focused on having exalted experiences, the glitz and glam of spirituality, but how this keeps people in their head and not their heart.
What she was saying really resonated with me.
Then simultaneously we both shared that for us the spiritual path was right now in this moment walking, looking at the trees, feeling the ground.
This is the path. Being here in the now.
I’m so glad Chris brought this up. It reminded me of what I was attracted to in the past and reaffirmed where my passion and focus are today.
When I first started exploring spirituality I was very attracted to the charismatic teachers. Big promises, again the glitz and glam. Promises of being a master manifester, people sharing about leaving their body, having these big spiritual experiences. All of these larger-than-life things drew me in.
At the time I was addicted to adrenalin and drama, so this approach of bigness satisfied a part of me. It was very little about being in the moment and more about changing something in order to be free or enlightened.
What part of me liked this? My ego.
Without knowing it, I was engaging my ego more not less. I was more in my head and less in my heart. It was a big distraction from connecting to my true essence. I was always striving.
It’s easy to get trapped in concepts and stuck in our mind, even when we’re on a spiritual path.
I had the longing to be at peace, but I never wanted to be in my body in this moment. It was unfamiliar. It didn’t feel comfortable. I was living for a future moment. I wanted a quick fix. Relief. Maybe this would be the answer to my suffering or not feeling enough.
For all that effort, all that desire, I was missing the mark. Rather than doing more and more, what was required was a simpler approach; to be in this moment connecting to my truth with compassion.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci
All of this wanting to be somewhere else or someone else kept me from the very thing I was longing for – connection to the depth of my soul.
They say that the longest journey can be the one from our head to our heart.
I understand this more than I ever have.
The greatest gift is when we actually stop. Stop the search for something more and meet ourselves in this moment with compassion.
Today, my teachers aren’t like performers on a stage. They are steady, humble, compassionate, and clear. The transmission I receive from their presence continues to transform my soul and deepen my connection to Self.
My daily practice isn’t filled with glitz and glam. I practice surrendering to this moment. I am consistent. It is simple and not always easy.
A few weeks ago, someone asked me what brings me joy right now. I paused. I heard my ego voice say ‘Make sure it sound good!’…I didn’t listen. Then these words came from my mouth,
‘Being in the moment, feeling my body, being more aware. It’s the simple things that bring me great joy.’
This is my truth and it’s a relief to come home to myself. Being more content in the now. Being in my body. Listening to my heart. For me this is freedom.
The ego wants things to be complicated. It is never satisfied with this moment. So, the idea of being in this moment is like nails on a chalk board, and it will create push back from the ego. And it’s ok. It’s not bad. If we know this, we can spot the resistance and be with that.
And when we let the heart lead there is an alchemy that we can only experience and know for ourselves.
“Why are you knocking at every other door? Go, knock at the door of your own heart.”
~ Rumi
Life is busy. We are more like human doings rather than human beings and most people spend most of their day in their head rather than their body and heart. This creates a disconnect from ourselves and the fulfillment and beauty that lies within.
It’s easy and comfortable to absorb knowledge and concepts. It is putting it all into practice that takes a real commitment and stepping out of our comfort zone.
When we are living our life in a more heart-centred space we are able to connect with others at this level. It is a blessing to ourselves and to the world.
With love,
Diane