Saturday, October 06, 2012

In Zen Meditation, There Is No Next...



Sitting in my patio the a few days ago on a beautiful fall afternoon I see this treasure right before my eyes. It most certainly added to what my definition would be of a quintessential autumnal afternoon.

Are you a 'list maker'? You know, a 'bucket list' or things that you have to get done today, this week, this month, this year.

Abbey Seixas writes, "list consciousness is a state of mind that is entirely future-oriented. With subtle but constant quality of rushing. It operates on the premise that life will happen once everything is crossed off the List...When you are in list consciousness, you are leaning into the future and completely missing the present. Practicing presence punctures the fantasy that somehow life will begin when the kids soccer season is over or when I lose ten pounds or even when I take that meditation course and learn how to be more present! Practicing presence is bringing ourselves to the recognition that life is happening right now---and it is inviting us to wake up and notice."

I will practice not leaning in to the future so much, but envelope myself in the here. In the now. There are many things that can and will distract me from that practice. All I can do is keep on putting myself back in the present when I found I've gone too far astray.

Join me in this moment. Join me in the here. Join me in the now. I invite you to share with us what this moment is-nothing elaborate. One simple sentence will do.

And with this, our practice begins...

8 comments:

robin. said...

breathing in. my next breath. slowing letting it out. with a smile. that is all i want to know.

Sylvia K said...

I'm with Robin and that's all I want to know either!! Hope you have a great weekend, Paula!!

Catherine said...

very pretty shot - lovely patterns

Ralph said...

As for lists, I don't write things down as much as try to remember. A list would be better though to measure my unremembered misses though...that tablescape and candle is stunning, subtle hints of color and shadow are engaging, a quiet piece of at in front of you...

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

What's next? (I just couldn't resist!)

Shadowy Home for Critters

Chubskulit Rose said...

Such a beautiful shadow shot Paula!

My Shadow Shot
Have a great weekend!

namaki said...

What a beautiful light on this roots piece of art !
a true meditation !

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

ohhhh...good one ~ picture (a lovely fall surprise for you) and words as well...yes ~ I am guilty of list making! But I find that if lists aren't made I forget about important things as well as trivial! To stop and see the shadows and enjoy what each day brings...that should be on the top spot every day :) thanks for the reminder!!

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