Being a living, breathing organism on Earth means that we will be in constant contact with an ever changing environment around us. And what sets us clearly apart from all other organisms is how we have access to a lot more choice in our ability to respond to our environment, but only if we actually exercise that choice.
We have two modes in our interaction with the world around us: Unconscious or Conscious.
Unconscious:
This doesn’t mean physically asleep but maybe something like emotionally asleep, spiritually asleep, or unaware. In this mode it’s like we’re on autopilot, reacting to our environment from a collection of old patterns formed by our past experience in a sequence of IF-THIS-THEN-THAT events.
In this unconscious mode, we’re unaware of the trigger of some old messaging waking up within us. Our reaction might even have a feel of authenticity to it, it feels ‘right’ to act in this way because repetition in the past has made this action feel familiar. But in this mode we are not exercising any choice at all, every reaction has been pre-determined by a past experience.
Conscious:
Becoming aware of the repetitive nature of our thoughts and reactions, wakes us up to a wider set of possibilities. Taking a step back and seeing how the same old thought triggers the same old emotion, which triggers the same old compulsion to… run? fight? hide? numb out?
In this conscious mode we have the space to exercise choice: “do I want an old pattern to control my life, or do I want to try a new response?”
“No one can create negativity or stress within you. Only you can do that by virtue of how you process your world.” – Wayne Dyer
“Cultivate your own garden and let go of your tendency to examine and judge how others cultivate theirs. Catch yourself in moments of gossip about how others ought to be living and rid yourself of thoughts about how they should be doing it this way, or how they have no right to live and think as they do. Stay busy and involved in your own projects and pursuits.” – Wayne Dyer
“That which offends you only weakens you. Being offended creates the same destructive energy that offended you in the first place – so transcend your ego and stay in peace.” – Wayne Dyer
“Heaven on Earth is a choice you must make, not a place you must find.” – Wayne Dyer
We’ve all experienced those moments when a seemingly insignificant event triggers a disproportionate emotional response. It’s as if an invisible force has taken over, driving us to react in ways that we later regret. These impulsive reactions are driven by our past experiences, and can significantly impact our relationships, careers, and overall well-being.
It might take no more than a few breaths for you to step out of an unconscious old programme and find that being conscious gives you access to more possibilities than you first believed to be true.
Today’s meditation journey is a practice of first finding the calm, clarity within you, before choosing how you will respond.
Take a pause and reflect on these few thoughts:
- Pause and breathe. Before reacting, take a moment to calm your mind and body.
- Observe your thoughts and emotions. Notice any recurring patterns or triggers, and notice how they always elicit the same reactions from you.
- Choose consciously. Instead of reacting impulsively, consider alternative responses.
- Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself, even when you make mistakes.
In conclusion, the power to choose our responses lies within us. By cultivating inner calm, becoming aware of our patterns, and consciously choosing our reactions, we can break free from the limitations of our past and create a more fulfilling and peaceful life.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: I am the mountain.