The Heart Can Hold It All
Stay Centered, Don't take on Extra Karma
The Heart Can Hold It All
Over time, I can see that there is less that triggers me. And there are more things that happen that I can 'breathe through,' as they say. This means that I'll be living my life, happily going about my business, and then something will happen that used to upset me very much. And through some miracle of mindfulness, I'm able to notice my jaw clench and how a part of me is ready to get so offended. I see the one who strategizes start to gear up. But instead of being immersed in it, I can notice it. I can smile at how silly it is, and find a way to be with it that's more in alignment with my values and intentions. The meditation, somatic practices, and molecular explorations are starting to yield some positive results.
But not always!
There is still stuff that gets me. I still sometimes take the bait. I still sometimes make it about me. That's what the ego does after all. Sometimes I get lost in the moment and end up totally off center. The other day I was running late for something, and was in the car, rushing, and really beating myself up for it. I could see the criticism script running full on, and while I could witness it, I couldn't stop it. Those moments are so fascinating. These habits are so ingrained. They die hard.
Don't take on extra karma.
Someone I really look up to reminded me recently, "As the world unravels, we just need to be as centered as we can be and not take on extra karma." This is the kind of reminder that I need. One of the blessings of psychedelic cosmovision is that it can show us the results of our actions so clearly. We feel the consequences in our guts. For a moment, we get a glimpse of the complexity of karma and the truth of our interrelatedness. We see the benefit, no, the necessity, of simplicity and centeredness. We see that our messes follow us for lifetimes and hurt the ones we love the most. We're inspired to 'do the work,' which may be a modern way of saying that we want to clean up our act. We resolve to deal with the various mental twists and physical tensions that keep us from being about to stay centered. The practice of a lifetime. But where do we start?
Open the heart to hold all of it.
Another person I greatly respect offered me this practice, "Open the heart to hold all of it." We'll probably work on this idea in the Golden Road this week. I could do it instantly. I'm guessing you can too, without too much trouble. Even if you can't go all the way open on your first try, you can open a bit. Start from there, and then keep working at it.
Almost like a camera aperture, the heart glides open as if it's been just waiting for a chance all this time. Whatever problem I have with self or other, how does my perspective change when I open my heart to hold the situation? For the better, of course. So much more kindness, curiosity, and gratitude. It transcends logic and makes love possible. What do you notice when you open your heart.
These are the kinds of topics we discuss in my weekly group, The Golden Road. In it, I offer an intimate group of dedicated practitioners teachings, coaching, and mentorship as we cultivate the presence and centeredness we want to bring to our lives. We also meet for meditations and master classes with guest teachers. If you'd like to join us, we meet on Thursdays at Noon Eastern here.