It’s something every religious tradition references, but regardless of which we follow, or even if we follow none at all, “Home” is the same place.
I am as convinced of this as religious zealots are convinced that their way is the only path.
Our consciousness rests, not in our bodies, but in that “Home,” and we journey from it to incarnations here on earth or elsewhere.
Maybe you think that’s not true because science doesn’t tell us it’s true. Of course, science never told us lots of things in years gone by that it now supports and explains. No matter how advanced a civilization we might think we are, we are still primitives in the greater scheme of things.
Still, one thing holds true. We’re all just walking each other through this life. Without relationships, there would be no existence. So we might as well be good company along the way. And carry someone’s book bag when we can.
(Side note: The older I get, the wiser Ram Dass seems.)
I’ve always been a seeker, even when it wasn’t apparent to anyone, including myself. But some 15 years ago that odyssey kicked into higher gear and in recent years, sped up even more.
And now, I’m starting a new expedition, one to the center of my consciousness. I’m reminded of that old song by the Amboy Dukes, Journey to the Center of the Mind. It was about hallucinogenic trips, which I maintain do take us to interior places. I won’t be doing hallucinogenics, but I’m exploring where meditation might take me…how far inside and outside my mind.
If you’ve been on that expedition yourself, I’d love to hear about it.
Enjoy the Amboy Dukes, below. (Did you know Ted Nugent was in that bad? I’ll try not to hold it against them.)
I was a faithful meditator in college. Loved it then, and loved what it did for my life, but have never been able to get back to it on any regular basis. (The Monkey Mind is horrified at the thought.)
A friend is doing a 21-day “kindness challenge.” I admired her so for doing it, but shied away from committing to it myself, probably because I’m afraid I’d fall far short! I’m sure going back to a meditation practice would help me keep Ram Dass’s observation more fully in mind. Pondering anew. Thanks for this.
Meditation has changed my life, my energy and my health. However, altering my consciousness has rarely happened. Or has it?
Lately, I’ve been doing loving kindness meditation. It’s lightened and focused every day. I can absolutely feel a difference when I’m in the meditation and know that’s come from consistent practice. “So we might as well be good company along the way.” Amen to that.
May you be safe.
May you live in abundance.
May you be healthy.
May you be happy.
May you be at peace.
I repeat these in a quiet, meditative place – beginning with myself. If any of them, when repeating them in my mind for myself, grind or scratch a bit, I know I need to look at why.
I then repeat them, pausing after each “may you” for my children. Years ago I went to a guru (Sashi) in Los Angeles, who told me not to worry so much about my grown children. He counseled not to send them that energy but to hold them in a white light and send positive thoughts and intentions to them instead. Now that I’ve begun practicing loving-kindness meditation – I’ve found it’s an almost tangible way to hold each child in a positive place, picture them in that glow and send these thoughts their way.
When I worried, about them and my mother, by the way, he’d ask, “How does that make you feel?”
Well, not good, of course.
“Then why do it? Why think it?” he asked.
Back to the loving-kindness meditation, outwardly from my children or loved ones – the practice is to send these wishes for abundance, safety, health, happiness and peace to neutral people and I try to do this during my day to day interactions. Some days nothing/no one. Some days I forget. Some days I’m terrible. Some days I’m mindful. It depends.
And then lastly, the teaching is to repeat these intentions for someone difficult in your life.
It’s helped me to be loving and gentle to myself, to loved ones, to be mindful of the welfare and happiness of others.
It’s helped me feel more positive and inwardly aware of being a good companion for the road home as you’ve written of so nicely here.
I’m a beginner. I’m, as you said, a primitive. But I’m on the path. Have been since I was a girl and certainly still can’t name it. But I embrace the questions and the joy in seeking.
We all are here for each other, other wise it would be meaningless. Life is full of adventures that are yours to seek and experience! Everyone is someone. Everyone is someone to talk to, to learn from and be with.
I loved this one Carol. I always think “Play nice” and keep a positive thought. The Barbara above has some very good ideas. Just do what she says and then let it go. Facing our fears with an honest “what could happen if what I am worried about comes true?” allows us to give up the worry even if we don’t like the answer. Or it does for me.
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
I love comments, so if something resonates with you in any way, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on my blog. Thank you for stopping by–oh, and why not subscribe so you don’t miss a single post?
You are so right. In theory, I meditate a lot. 🙂
I was a faithful meditator in college. Loved it then, and loved what it did for my life, but have never been able to get back to it on any regular basis. (The Monkey Mind is horrified at the thought.)
A friend is doing a 21-day “kindness challenge.” I admired her so for doing it, but shied away from committing to it myself, probably because I’m afraid I’d fall far short! I’m sure going back to a meditation practice would help me keep Ram Dass’s observation more fully in mind. Pondering anew. Thanks for this.
We shall talk tomorrow!
Meditation has changed my life, my energy and my health. However, altering my consciousness has rarely happened. Or has it?
Lately, I’ve been doing loving kindness meditation. It’s lightened and focused every day. I can absolutely feel a difference when I’m in the meditation and know that’s come from consistent practice. “So we might as well be good company along the way.” Amen to that.
Say more about loving kindness meditation, I’d love to hear, Barbara.
Certainly, Carol.
May you be safe.
May you live in abundance.
May you be healthy.
May you be happy.
May you be at peace.
I repeat these in a quiet, meditative place – beginning with myself. If any of them, when repeating them in my mind for myself, grind or scratch a bit, I know I need to look at why.
I then repeat them, pausing after each “may you” for my children. Years ago I went to a guru (Sashi) in Los Angeles, who told me not to worry so much about my grown children. He counseled not to send them that energy but to hold them in a white light and send positive thoughts and intentions to them instead. Now that I’ve begun practicing loving-kindness meditation – I’ve found it’s an almost tangible way to hold each child in a positive place, picture them in that glow and send these thoughts their way.
When I worried, about them and my mother, by the way, he’d ask, “How does that make you feel?”
Well, not good, of course.
“Then why do it? Why think it?” he asked.
Back to the loving-kindness meditation, outwardly from my children or loved ones – the practice is to send these wishes for abundance, safety, health, happiness and peace to neutral people and I try to do this during my day to day interactions. Some days nothing/no one. Some days I forget. Some days I’m terrible. Some days I’m mindful. It depends.
And then lastly, the teaching is to repeat these intentions for someone difficult in your life.
It’s helped me to be loving and gentle to myself, to loved ones, to be mindful of the welfare and happiness of others.
It’s helped me feel more positive and inwardly aware of being a good companion for the road home as you’ve written of so nicely here.
I’m a beginner. I’m, as you said, a primitive. But I’m on the path. Have been since I was a girl and certainly still can’t name it. But I embrace the questions and the joy in seeking.
This is a very inspirational text.
We all are here for each other, other wise it would be meaningless. Life is full of adventures that are yours to seek and experience! Everyone is someone. Everyone is someone to talk to, to learn from and be with.
http://blessednotstressedlife.blogspot.com
Thank you….everyone is someone to learn from.
I loved this one Carol. I always think “Play nice” and keep a positive thought. The Barbara above has some very good ideas. Just do what she says and then let it go. Facing our fears with an honest “what could happen if what I am worried about comes true?” allows us to give up the worry even if we don’t like the answer. Or it does for me.
Be well.
Barbara
You Barbaras sure got it goin’ on! Very true.
Carol, this post spoke right to my heart and I look forward to your inspirations on the page. When will your memoir be coming out?
Thanks, Pat. I’m still working on the memoir… ;=) will keep you posted here!