Every moment of every day, I do spiritual practice. I meditate on the cushion and I meditate off the cushion with the techniques and strategies taught by my teacher, Will Johnson. We are all human, and easily distracted by change and the next shiney object. As Blaise Pascal once said: “All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.”
Those words explain why the pandemic was difficult for so many people. When faced with extreme change and upheaval, sitting in a quiet room alone is the best remedy for however long it takes to process the challenges that often creates imbalance within the psyche. I have a dog and I have a job which means I wasn’t entirely alone but I spent many long hours fathoming the meaning of life. I took spiritual online courses. I was able to piece together questions I’ve had for many years and line them up with spiritual explanations as opposed to answers derived from the rational mind.
Tomaso’s Last Breath was more an impetus for my search and coupled with the pandemic, delivered a choice I could not deny- go with the flow or go against it. I could believe God has a plan or think God doesn’t exist.
Yesterday I wrote about contentment as a spiritual practice. Allowing quiet to override all chaos and suffering is another practice. Walking away from drama and staying with inner guidance in the beautiful blossoming of spring time is another. Being in the world but not of it is truly an art form to nurture.
Become a spiritual finder rather than a seeker. Find your own path and practice. What works for me may not work for you. Seek and ye will find. Did Jesus say that? OM