Many years ago I attended a seven day workshop at a spiritual retreat. On the first evening we were instructed to call anyone we wanted because our mobile phones were to be taken from us until our departure. Another rule the participants had to commit to, was not to talk about the past nor the future. We all thought that that was crazy. We only learnt each other’s first names. Our workshop leader started the proceedings by asking us where we were. Participants gave the name of the retreat, the address and one guy joked that if he had his electronic toys, he’d give us the GPS coordinates. The leader quietened us so that she could narrate this story:
Two traveling monks reached a river where they met a young woman. That season, waters were higher than usual. Wary of the current, she asked if they could carry her across. The younger monk hesitated, “Don’t you see that I am a monk, that I took a vow of chastity?” “I require nothing from you that could impede your vow, but simply to help me to cross the river,” replied the young woman with a little smile. The older monk quickly picked up the young woman placing her onto his shoulders, transported her across the water, and put her down on the other bank. She thanked him and departed. As the monks continued on their way, the younger one was brooding and preoccupied. Unable to hold his silence, he spoke out: “Brother, our spiritual training teaches us to avoid any contact with women, but you picked that one up on your shoulders and carried her!” “Brother,” the older monk replied, “I set her down on the other side of the river, while you are still carrying her.”
Everyone in the room understood the story – our lesson was to live in the present moment. Our workshop leader gave us explanations of how we lose energy when our mind is not focused in the present moment. During her teaching I was reminded of my everyday behavior, for example, when having a conversation instead of listening I would be busy formulating a response. While driving my mind would drift off to the point were at times I would not remember how I got to my destination.
Unable to stay in the present moment allows the mind to wander off and worry about events that have not and might not even occur. You can train yourself to return to the present moment by setting up triggers. My trigger is trees and plants because they have roots. Whenever I see trees or plants I check if I’m rooted in the present moment. Then I pay attention to my five senses which tunes me to the world around me. When you practice this you’ll hear the sounds, feel the sensations on your skin and pick up scents in the air. Simple tasks like dressing, eating or showering can bring you into the present moment. Next time you have a shower or wash your hands do it consciously and fully experience the sensations created by the water.
Apply being in the present moment while you go about your daily tasks. This will increase your energy levels and you will feel a sense lightness and wellness. The alternative is feeling like you are carrying someone on your back.
Leave a Reply