Decision Making

Whenever an answer, a solution or a creative idea is needed,

stop thinking for a moment

by focusing your attention on your inner energy field.

Become aware of the stillness.

Eckhart Tolle

Oneness With All Life 

Whenever we face a challenge, our brains usually kick in searching for resolve.  We may grow anxious during our search which immediately interferes with cognition.  We can then mix and match a few things together forming a band aid for the problem or we resource the entire problem out for someone else to solve.  

The best reaction to a challenge, is to not react at all, but to simply sit with it for a while in silence.  We hold fear and anxiety at bay as we quietly listen to wisdom or nudges we receive from within.  If a resolution does not immediately appear, then choose not to come to a decision for awhile.  Carry on with other tasks until there is time to just pause in silence once again, listening for insight.  Keep drama and unnecessary emotion at bay, while we blend our thinking with our heart to determine the best action for all involved.

Realizing some decisions need to be made immediately, there are others that can benefit from lingering thoughts.  Years ago, a friend mentioned to me that it took Jesus the Christ three days to rise from the dead.  The friend told me to give any problem three days to work itself out.  I felt this was worth trying, and I have used it numerous times throughout my life challenges.

A solution created today, may not be as good as the one made after some time has passed.  We can avoid being impulsive or  repressing our emotions as they are somewhat sitting on a back burner.  If we maintain the attitude of searching for the best calculation and not feel pressured into quick decision, we find ourselves in a very different space, thinking more clearly, after a few days have passed.  I have repeatedly found the decisions I have made after three days have been much better long term remedies for all concerned than the quick fix of three days ago.

So next time we are contemplating an appropriate answer to a problem, simply pause.  Sit with the situation in silence.  Be open to the creative options as they begin to surface. Be still allowing our energy to flow until we feel in balance with our decision.

Crossing Bridges

"After having been applauded

for busy-ness and productivity,

there is guilt about stillness."

Gay Luce 

 We cross many bridges during our lives (from child to adult, student to teacher, single to wife, wife to mother, mother to grandmother, novice to master, business to retirement) as we transition from one phase to another.  Some do cross gracefully whereas others may go kicking and screaming.   It would be accurate to say whether we welcome crossing the bridge or not, and adjustment is always a part of the transition. 

As in many situations, a forthcoming transition can create anxiety.  Even though we may be eager to move forward the transition is taking us out of our comfort zone into the unknown.  We may grow concerned of losing power or position in the world.  We may no longer be recognized by a certain label we have been displaying for years.  Especially when the work role is removed, we grow concerned about usefulness.

Many of us have been trained to see our selves as what we do for a living, and when we disengage we have a sense of uselessness.  In retirement, many will throw themselves into activities without discretion in order to fill in the empty blanks.  When faced with unexpected quiet or stillness, we need to take our time in learning how to embrace just 'being'.

When we do not learn to let go of fear and to embrace the unknown, we create a very rigid life style for our selves.  We do not experience any variance in our lives as we stick to our script.  So when we retire or physical ailments curtail our busy-ness, we are at a loss as to what to do.  Self-image or ego can become damaged by the sudden void which seemingly offers nothing for us to do.

The need to create a purpose surfaces.  Some fill it with extensive travel, volunteering, hobbies or avocations which become just as rigid as the earlier life style.  Underneath this need to be constant movement, we find the fear of dealing with our feelings.  We stay active disallowing our true nature to surface.  We will go to great depths to avoid what we have repressed.  For many, the act of being still is riddled with anxiety.

For those who are curious about this pause in time,  they find themselves exploring their fears.  They discover prejudices, misconceptions, or our culture's need for materialism.  When we begin to shed the many layers neatly stacked one upon the other, we can discard what we no longer need and feel freedom.  Whether on sabbatical or permanently leaving employment, many experience a huge relief.

It is in this stillness we learn to channel our energies into new aspects of life bringing deeper meaning to this physical experience.  We shift our thoughts to the earth, to the next generation, to compassion, and to meditation or prayer.  When we sit in the stillness we begin to experience our authentic self and a voice gently encourages us to be of service to our inner self and the outer world.  Our identity is no longer found in a career definition, but in our true nature as role model, gardener, painter, volunteer, writer or mother of a heartfelt cause. 

There is work to be done, yes; but the heart felt application comes only after one becomes comfortable in being still.  It is in this very stillness that direction is received, leading us to our highest nature.  By just 'being', we begin to resonate with the rhythms of the Universe, inspiring us to be empathetic human beings.  We then bring our love for life as service to our fellow human beings, to the world, and to all that breathes. 

If we pay attention to the stillness now, we can navigate life in a more meaningful way.  Do not wait for this understanding to come until we are crossing the last bridge of our life.

Stillness Can Be A Gift

                             "Seek out a tree and let it teach you stillness."

                                                    Eckhart Tolle

(Findhorn Retreat: Stillness Amidst The World)

The art of being still accompanies practices like yoga, meditation, contemplation and simple observation.  The greatest skill is learning to quiet the mind.  Mind chatter, frequently referred to as monkey chatter, can and will distort most efforts of mind solitude.  Sometimes it is more difficult to quiet the mind in seclusion than simply 'zoning' out in the midst of life.

There is a technique which assists being still in the moment with another person.  Clear the mind of thoughts, and listen to what the other person is saying.  It helps to imagine their words filling a blank space above the head like one sees in cartoons.  Let the white cloud  fill up with the person's words.  Look at them just as they are, without bringing personal reaction to mind.  By keeping our personal beliefs or reactions to our self and opening our mind in solitude to receive the words of another, can really be challenging and insightful.

This particular practice brings a better understanding of others.  When we are totally still, we are more objective with the words of another.  It is easier to understand a different perspective without agreeing or disagreeing.  We are simply still in the moment, allowing the other person to be heard without interruption or interpretation.  Our emotions do not become conflicted or enmeshed and the opportunity for growth is fertile.

Some times our feedback is unnecessary.  A person may be seeking the opportunity to creatively express themselves without fear of judgment or challenge.  If we encourage them to continue speaking without our own personal comments, the experience can be liberating.  Again, we can agree to disagree, but it is not even necessary to express that option.  Just be still and this will be a gift ... to be a quiet witness in the space of another.

SLOW DOWN!

  

In order to see birds

it is necessary to become

part of the silence.

Robert Lynd

 Not that long ago in smaller towns, businesses would close for at least an hour at lunch time so people could go home for lunch and rest.  In the Mexican culture, there were Siestas every day.  The English have their tea time mid-afternoon.  Native American Indians experienced life unfolding on "Indian time" which meant the element of time had very broad boundaries.    And what can we say about our own culture in this time and space? 

Once I read in a business summary that American culture took a huge step forward by mastering the computer as it easily reduced the length of time necessary to perform daily tasks.  The unfortunate piece was instead of using the extra time to rest and refurbish, they just filled the open space with more work, taxing their bodies and minds even farther.

We have fast food, drive-up windows, and express lanes.  Do these help us have more quality time with our family and friends or do these conveniences simply provide time to over extend our already busy schedules.  The sad thing is we are not even necessarily aware of what we are doing to our bodies, minds, and spirits.  Fast has become the norm.

While visiting New York City this last summer with my daughter, the harsh noises were overwhelming ... grating on my nerves.  Every day we would walk miles and miles shopping, exploring, and wandering in Central Park.  The day we visited Central Park, I realized how long it had been since I had seen trees, heard birds, and actually saw the expanse of the sky.

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and I am thankful for the experience of living in such an exciting city with so many offerings for experiences,  entertainment and learning.  I realize though how much I have changed over the years, and how much more private or quiet time I need for my soul.  I now learn through silence in nature and the solitude of meditation or prayer.  Privacy to journal or reading is a requirement not a preference. 

Years are spent rushing around seeking what we finally find when we learn to be still.  To sit with our self and really listen to our heart's desire.  To comprehend that our body is screaming for us to stop and rest.  What we seek is found when we slow down.  What we have been searching for resides within.  Be still ... listen for the guidance of Divine Spirit ... relax into peace and calm.

A Daily Ritual



Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it, How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness.

Eckhart Tolle

All of life surrounding us is a mirror.  Life reflects back to us what we need to see and learn.  A dog will show us how to play and a cat will demonstrate yoga poses!  Birds show us how to allow our thoughts to soar while flowers and trees can be examples of being still soaking in the sun or rain.

Our lives are so fast paced we frequently miss the examples posed all around us.  The summer beauty becomes a backdrop of blur on busy days.   We entirely miss the comfort nature is capable of providing.

Whether at the beginning of our day or at the ending, we can slip off our shoes and stand on the ground, letting our feet feel the energy of the earth.  We can imagine roots sprouting from the bottom of our feet traveling deep into mother earth grounding us for the day awaiting us or after a long day.  We can stretch our arms up to the sun or stars and breathe in the energy of all that is holy while feeling the energy from below.  So we are connected with the above as well as the below.

It is during this connection with the above and the below we find a stillness that refreshes our body, mind, and soul.  Although this morning or evening gesture takes only minutes, it can become a daily ritual honoring all that is and allowing us to briefly be still.