What is Always Present…

“In mindfulness one is not only restful and happy, but alert and awake. Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.”
-Thich Nhat Hanh 

The secret to peaceful living is hidden in all the routine things you do every day. Crossing the street, you lift your foot to the sidewalk without thinking. 

Fishing the keys out of your pocket or purse by feel, you unlock the door, turn the handle and step through. In attention, doing is effortless.

You see a man approaching and know immediately if you know him, don’t know him, or aren’t sure. In all three cases—before the decision—there is pure knowing.

Thich Nhat Hanh 

Almost imperceptibly, the mind transforms pure knowing into a judgment. Yes or no, good or bad, right or wrong, like or dislike, mine and not mine, are but a few examples.

Indeed, the mind, as desire, is sadness.

Remember when you wanted something, got it, and were happy. You were not happy because you got what you wanted. You were happy due to the absence of desire.

Awareness is desire-free.

Everyone has a pause button. Close your eyes and touch your forehead, about an inch above the bridge of your nose. Be aware of the feeling of your finger on your forehead for a few moments. Remove your finger and remain aware of where it was touching your head. With attention on your pause button, realize you are trouble-free.

Killer graphic depiction:

As the day permits, sit down, close your eyes, and without your finger, direct attention to your pause button for a few moments.

Pause without sitting down or closing your eyes. In a safe environment, stop and pause. Repeat as necessary.

The goal of spiritual teachings is to help you find and establish yourself in the peace that is always within you. 

What is always present when you are not thinking? Be absolutely still, like a wasp floating on water, and there it is—your one true ally.

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Each Monday, I’ll post a new topic in one of two categories. One will be on shooting, and the other will be on living, or: “how I learned to live from what I learned by competing.” 

Thanks for coming in.