Sunday, November 3, 2013

5 Things To Start Noticing Throughout Your Day

A majority of the time we go about our days not really in our bodies but rather inside the cyclical nature of thought. When inside the internal "act", we are not "in our bodies" and are rather "in our heads." This leads to egoic structures being built all around us; from relationships all the way to economic systems. In order to drop the ego (even though there is nothing to necessarily drop), we must be mindful throughout our day. Be aware of what is happening, truly. Here are some things to start becoming aware of throughout your day which will lead to a more peaceful existence..


1. Driving
We all know the drill. Get in your car, put on the music, zone out, arrive at your destination. I challenge you to next time you get in the car, keep the music off and do some deep breathing throughout the ride. Inhale fully through the nose, exhale fully through the mouth. Let each breath fall in and out. Feel your body and the "external" objects you rest upon. Feel your foot on the gas and your other foot resting beside it. Feel your hands upon the steering wheel. Be mindful of what is... come back to your senses. Don't forget, internal thought is cyclical so you most likely will have thoughts throughout this. Do not suppress them for they go away on their own. Your mind is void. Be the watcher of thought and allow it all to flow into the void.

2. Washing Your Hands
We're all animals. There is no getting around this. We all use the restroom and then, preferably, wash our hands. Instead of rushing through this as if it is some annoying task, slow down and feel the warm water upon your hands. Gently rub and massage yourself, being mindful the entire time of your senses and the experience that is. Soon you will love washing your hands. It can and is incredibly relaxing. 

3. Your Habits
Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Video games, TV, Netflix, junk food, whatever, we all have habits. Now, I would not say humans at the core are habitual. If anything I would say our egos are and if we were to break free from that psychological prison we would be aware of the infinite potentiality each this moment contains. By becoming aware of ourselves, watching ourselves, and watching our internal dialogue, only then will we see our habits in full view. Breaking habits are hard, but if you don't even know what they are, how can you even break them? Start meditating daily for 10 minutes and increase overtime, this will help with identification of the said habits.  Next time you feel the urge to begin one of your usual habits, catch yourself in the act. Sit back, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. Notice how there is a pull towards it, just notice it... that is all it takes. Eventually, changing your habits will become as easy as 1, 2, 3. Let go of what no longer serves you. 

4. Walking
Walking, it's how we get around, and a majority of the time we aren't even aware of the sensuous experience of it. Walking can be incredibly blissful, especially when it's 80 degrees out and you're walking barefoot on some warm grass. After you get up after reading this article, I challenge you to notice each step you take. Try to be aware of it all, your thoughts, breath, and how you so easily will yourself to walk. Part of the reason we don't notice ourselves walking is due to shoes. Shoes are a barrier between the ground and us, potentially creating a false-reality on not being in reality. It can be incredibly difficult being mindful of your walking all day long, but I challenge you to start today. The more you practice it, the more mindful you get, and the more peaceful your life becomes.

5. Your Biological and Extended Body
Your body is not some separate thing to this universe. You are a part of the whole and the whole is in the part. No one-thing in and of itself exists. Notice how you are in constant contact with your environment. You can't not be. Every time you sit down, become aware of the chair, sofa, whatever, that rests upon your body. If you get down to it, you can feel almost a levitating effect through this. Notice the space that you so easily walk through and that keeps everything as it should be, seemingly separate. To put this more simply for I cannot possibly go through each and every scenario: Be that! 





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