Feel the Tingle
Hello, fellow explorers of the cosmos and curious minds who've stumbled across this path. I'm Jim, a behavioral health therapist, diving into the concept of living life without keeping score. It's all about navigating through existence without rigid expectations, allowing us to truly live in the moment. Join me as we cast our nets wide, seeking to fish without bait in the vast ocean of life.
The Decision to Stop Keeping Score: Tonight, I've made a conscious decision to stop keeping score. You might wonder, "What game is he playing?" Well, the game of life, of course. Keeping score implies that I'm measuring myself against some benchmark, perhaps against others or even against my own past achievements. But when we set ourselves against such markers, aren't we just setting the stage for unrealistic expectations?
Embracing the Now and The Power of Mindfulness: We often explore the essence of mindfulness—being present and alive in the moment. Today, we touch on something rather unexpected: the tingling sensation of being truly present, even in the most mundane settings like a dentist's office. Yes, even there, one can feel alive! This tingling isn't just a physical sensation; it symbolizes a profound awareness of being alive.
The Wake-Up Call and Bursting with Joy: Think about the moments when you feel a surge of joy so intense that it feels like bursting. Our friend Eckhart Tolle described such an experience during his time of deep presence and joy, which he spent simply sitting on a park bench. This isn't about passive observation; it's about engaging actively with life, seizing the day with every fiber of your being.
Unshackling Ourselves and Detaching to Participate More Fully: We previously talked about the importance of detaching from the anchors that hold us back. Imagine walking through life with cement blocks tied around your ankles. Today, we delve into identifying those blocks—the attachments, the misplaced responsibilities, the external expectations. How can we truly see and participate in our lives if we're chained to these burdens?
The Power of Naming: Gaining Control and Responsibility: Just as naming a pet gives you a sense of control and responsibility over it, naming our thoughts and feelings helps us manage them more effectively. If you can label what's holding you back, you can address it. This process is akin to finding a lost child in a bustling department store; without a clear description, how would you ever locate them among the masses?
Making the Decision and Choosing How to Face Each Day: Each morning, we have a choice. We can greet the day with a grunt or embrace it with enthusiasm. This decision colors everything else we do. It's about making a conscious choice to engage positively with our daily experiences, no matter the setbacks or frustrations.
Raising the Anchor and Preparing to Set Sail: Just as a ship must raise its anchor to sail, we too must lift our own anchors to move forward in life. The act of raising your anchor is a metaphor for letting go of what holds you back, enabling you to embark on new journeys and adventures.
Looking Ahead and Finding Our Steady Base: As we continue our journey, our next discussion will focus on finding a stable base from which to grow. It's about finding solid ground that doesn't need constant repair or isn't on shaky footing. This base is essential for our growth and well-being, providing the stability we need to thrive.
Until then, remember that life is happening right now. And as always, Namaste—may you find peace and fulfillment in your journey.
