At some point in our lives, many of us will find ourselves struggling with a complicated biological problem, a recently diagnosed illness, the recurrence of a chronic set of symptoms, or pain that limits our quality of life. Sometimes it is an emotional trauma, loss, separation or divorce, the confusion that comes with a changing family, growth of kids, a marriage that has lost it way. Perhaps it is internal, and we are frustrated with our situation, we have lost purpose or drive and no longer experience that compassion we once enjoyed.
What ever is the frame of reference we are in, whatever the maddening factors we may find ourselves limited by; a broken body, a broken heart, a broken relationship that we believe is beyond repair and the sole outcome appears to be a path of emptiness, fear, loss, and sense of deep loneliness on our journey that now seems like a miserable one.
Contemplation is a process of which we can let go, to find ourselves in the mystery of pure experience, the experience of the NOW. The focus on the now is not a remedy to the storms we find ourselves in, it is not being proposed as an answer. We will remain walking through the dilemmas we find ourselves in, perhaps transformed by them in a way that enriches us and benefits those around us, but that may or may not be a byproduct of now.
The now is a presence, an immersion, a transformational experience from thought, fear, and worry. From the past or anticipated future. The now is a respite, taking presence in the current moment. The very point of presence is all the experiences that preceded which allows for acceptance of what will be. It is a profound letting go into the infinity of what will be, and has been, the simple acceptance of the passing moments of NOW.
The now takes no effort, takes no technique, no trying, no failure, and therefore no success.
The moment of now is in the awareness of our thoughts and internal chatter, breathing physical and emotional sensations, that privileged space between ourselves and our experiences. Just as we can stand still and be aware of the wind, its strength, and the direction it may be blowing, we can become aware of the sounds and movement of birds, butterflies, or any other external stimulus.
Contemplation is not found in a measurement of time or depth. It is whatever your awareness is for that moment, whether it be for a minute, an hour, or a second, a profound shift can take place. All I ask is for you to allow yourself to become aware of the experience that already is in you.
