I've
talked about learning and practicing patience and how transformative that can
be, as it has been in me. Part of that practice is being in the moment, which as
we are all expert thinkers, is an ongoing challenge because as we are thinking,
we are not experiencing the moment, but some past or future one.
One
of the things that Eckhart taught me to help me practice is so simple, and it is
just to begin immediately paying attention to my breathing, and even purposeful
breathing. I have begun using this technique a great deal whenever I find
my mind wandering through thoughts and projected scenarios. It is so helpful
because as I do this, my thinking stops for that moment, and as I continue, I am
calmer, more relaxed and without problems.
How
many times I've gotten in my truck, started down the road, made a few turns and
then realized that I was on auto-pilot and had no intention of going where I was
going. I wanted to go left and I went right and I did it because I've done it
many times and it is almost habitual, but the bigger reason is that I was lost
in thought. Sound familiar?
Now
I have a tool to help me recapture many of the moments that have been zipping by
without notice because I was lost in thought. That tool is to immediately pay
attention to my breathing. It is almost stupid simple, and it works every time.
It's fascinating.
Today
on my way to a meeting, travelling on the road, on to another meeting, there
were many times I used this technique and it instantly brought me back to that
place where I am just experiencing life and there are no problems. No bills, no
worries, no issues, no problems. I like it there.
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