Years ago, my best friend found a philosophy that was centered around what the originator called ‘the three principles’.
She studied with his protogies and it became a cornerstone for her own life philosophy.
I, (I don’t remember why), often argued against it. I don’t think I really disagreed so much as I didn’t want to be pigeonholed.(and maybe liked the debate?)
One thing I remember was this concept that if you can find a way to drop the heated subject (whatever is giving your brain grief, as in thoughts that are keeping you up worrying all night or arguing with your friend). If you can set that down as if it’s a glass of muddy water, the energy (or sentiment) will settle and things will become more clear. That clear mind energy place is a better mind space to make choices, have conversations or really go about life from.
I have been getting my own lessons on this concept in my own personal life classroom lately and it some days feels like boot camp. It’s as though my friend is trying to tell me something. I lost her to cancer a handful of years ago, but still often feel her input.
Am I learning? I hope so. Its not complicated. I understand it, but I just keep getting opportunities to practice. You’d think I’d recognize this right away, but instead, there I am again lamenting about some injustice, new or old, losing sleep, challenging my own concentration, until I slap my hand over my heart (necklace) and take three long, slow deep breaths. Then remember that I want to keep my heart open no matter what, take more deep breaths, and yeah…
Trying to get my brain to cooperate is a whole thing. I’d say I have gotten better. I used to joke that I had the ability to think so many thoughts at once that you could multiply the average amount of thought in most people’s heads by at least 10 and it might come close to what’s happening in mine. ‘ADD’, if they still call it that, is a fun gift. Talk about multitasking, I practically invented it.
Ten years of yoga has helped me.
Lately, I’m really committed to keeping an open heart. Oh my! It sounds so easy
I assure you it’s not. Stepping back and observing my thoughts as they race around inside, causing my body to feel sluggish and unwell, has been a dizzying ride that I am not enjoying. I might be fearing my next encounter with humans.
I don’t even know how to proceed past deep breathing. Setting this glass down has been all consuming. Welcome to the serious business of art I guess.
A mental exercise, every day. Oh my. I must be growing…or something.
Peace Kit 