My Easwaran's "Words to Live By" has as the lead quote today: In deep meditation the flow of concentration is continuous like the flow of oil. -- Patanjali
I'm taking it that flowing, to flow, is my guideline today. Learning how to flow is simplicity itself. On paper. Or when we're advising someone else on how to do it. Doing it our own self, however....
To flow is to move forward...one can't flow backward. And one can't stand still if we're looking to flow.
It is nonresistance. That's what flowing is. Nonresistance. And the reasoning mind immediately throws out its "yes, but...," and "what about...?" Going, of course, for the worst possible case scenario that has no likely chance of happening, but...what if? What if someone drives by as I'm walking Ruckus, hops out of the car, grabs Ruckus and drives off? Wouldn't I resist that? You can bet your bottom I would.
But why conjure up the unlikeliest? I could just as well project someone saying something with which I disagree with me replying, "You may be right." That's flowing.
Or I could imagination someone I less than love saying something snarky that has a built-in takedown answer just begging to be said. Am I willing to practice honing that reply to a humorous shrug...not to top, not to stop, but to flow?
Clearly, it's all about action...we can practice not resisting that which begs to be resisted, and not by using self will. We could just as well tape our mouths shut if we're going with self will. No. Practice not resisting by using spiritual principles. Practice thanking God for that which looks like a problem to our eyes but is his opportunity to shine using us.
Here's where we can say, Knock yourself out, God. I'm willing, and you've got the power. There. That, too, is flowing.
Thank you.
To flow is to move forward...one can't flow backward. And one can't stand still if we're looking to flow.
It is nonresistance. That's what flowing is. Nonresistance. And the reasoning mind immediately throws out its "yes, but...," and "what about...?" Going, of course, for the worst possible case scenario that has no likely chance of happening, but...what if? What if someone drives by as I'm walking Ruckus, hops out of the car, grabs Ruckus and drives off? Wouldn't I resist that? You can bet your bottom I would.
But why conjure up the unlikeliest? I could just as well project someone saying something with which I disagree with me replying, "You may be right." That's flowing.
Or I could imagination someone I less than love saying something snarky that has a built-in takedown answer just begging to be said. Am I willing to practice honing that reply to a humorous shrug...not to top, not to stop, but to flow?
Clearly, it's all about action...we can practice not resisting that which begs to be resisted, and not by using self will. We could just as well tape our mouths shut if we're going with self will. No. Practice not resisting by using spiritual principles. Practice thanking God for that which looks like a problem to our eyes but is his opportunity to shine using us.
Here's where we can say, Knock yourself out, God. I'm willing, and you've got the power. There. That, too, is flowing.
Thank you.
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