Learning to direct your mind sustained on one focal point is at the core of many spiritual practices. One of the core themes of the last year for me has been to focus on the present moment, let go of past, let go of future and be here, now. Instead of wondering, questioning, worrying, I have found myself shifting toward listening, seeing without looking for anything, paying attention to the archetypal experience around me, and being calm in my own center.
A year ago I decided to take most of 2007 off so I could let go of the noise of everyday life and sink slowly down to the center of who I am and what I am here to do. Since, a whole new array of new archetypal experiences have entered my life, from the quality and kind of people I am attracting into my life to very novel experiences like talking with trees (and hearing them talk back). We will see where this leads 😉
For now, I know I need to focus on my innermost core, my personal dharma in this world and I know that as the times are shifting, there is no more alternative. Whatever is not authentic in our lives will slowly but surely or brutally burn away – not a pleasant path. It seems more reasonable to embrace the path with curiousity, wonder and excitement – and first and foremost with love for self and life.
As Martha Graham wrote about artists in this beautiful quote my friend just sent me:
“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. If you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will never have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than others.”
Well, it’s time for everyone to become an artist and experience each of our lives as the unique wonders they are, and to see the future as a possibility for stories we get to write…
For this year’s birthday celebration I got to start my day with two hours of yoga with my teacher, a wonderful champagne lunch, a couple of hours in a deprivation tank by the ocean, a walk down the beach during sunset, lots more champagne and blissful passing out. Thanks to my friend Barry who was a delightful shepherd during these festivities… (he also took the picture above last year on my birthday in Hawaii)
Looking forward to the coming year and even more so delectably grateful to be here, right now 😉