Below is a 2 minute read to put some sparkle in your day, or… plunge into these topics for a deeper understanding.
A message from today’s meditation:
This week, our teacher has been Alan Cohen. And today being a Sunday silent meditation, I tried to find quotes where he speaks about silence or meditation and I couldn’t find much, so for today’s message I’m just including a few thoughts that sit really well with me…
“If you are not living with a whole heart now, the end of the world poses no threat; your life is already gone. Life is only as valuable as our presence to enjoy it. To miss the beauty of the moment because you are preparing to protect yourself from the next one, is to trade a precious gem for a cheap trinket.” – Alan Cohen
Fear is what prevents us from being present. Being constantly on guard for the possible threat that the next moment might bring, robs from us the ability to express our full potential right now.
“The world you see is less of an indication about the world and more of an indication about your seeing.” – Alan Cohen
There’s another old teaching that sounds really similar, “we don’t see the world as it is, we see the world as we are.” It’s almost impossible not to see the world through the lens of our own past experiences and the messaging we took on board since childhood. The way we see the world reflects our own internal state, not necessarily some objective truth about the world.
The reminder for me is to always question myself and ask, “Is there a more empowering way to see the world than I do right now?”
“Guilt: punishing yourself before God doesn’t.” – Alan Cohen
Alan Cohen offers a different perspective on guilt. He sees it not as a divinely mandated punishment, but as self-inflicted suffering that doesn’t achieve anything meaningful. This suggests that guilt isn’t something predetermined, but rather a choice we make to dwell on past mistakes.
And then a beautiful thought that does lead us into today’s meditation…
“If you want to find God, start hanging out in the space between your thoughts.” – Alan Cohen
When you clearly see and understand that none of the thinking is YOU, that thought is something a brain does on autopilot – just like perspiration is something that sweat glands produce on their own – then it becomes easier to take a step back and simply watch thoughts come and go. When you are the observer of your thoughts, you’ll start noticing the spaces in between thoughts, and you’ll come to understand where your soul lives…
Finding your inner sanctuary:
- “My thoughts are not me.” Simply observe them as they arise and depart.
- “The present moment is all I have.” Don’t let fears from the past or future get in the way of expressing your full potential in this moment.
- “There is peace beneath the storm of thoughts.” Take a deep breath and allow yourself to sink into the stillness.
- “I am worthy of experiencing inner peace.” Believe in your ability to find calm amidst the chaos.
Take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and begin to observe your thoughts without judgment. Notice the spaces between them, and allow yourself to simply be there. This practice, even for a few minutes each day, can create a profound shift in your perspective and open you to a world of possibilities within.
Let’s slip into that space of silence between thoughts together.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Finding silence.
A moment of reflection
(If you have the time, use this question as a journal prompt, because whenever you put pen to paper you’re wiring the neural pathways that create your new habits. But if you don’t have the time, just take a moment to reflect on your response.)
Examine Your Lens of Perception: “Alan Cohen suggests that ‘the world you see is less of an indication about the world and more of an indication about your seeing.’ Choose a current challenge or conflict in your life and write about it from three different perspectives: first, as a victim (what’s being done to you), second, as a neutral observer (just the facts), and third, as someone who sees this as an opportunity for growth. What does each perspective reveal about your internal state? Which perspective feels most empowering, and what would change if you adopted it as your primary way of seeing this situation?”
Today’s LIVE meditation
https://youtu.be/9Pbrg1SV7ko 2025
https://youtu.be/dA_DpuR18pI 2024
https://youtu.be/xRn_JRqnkUg 2023
Q&A for deeper learning
Q1: What does it truly mean to “live with a whole heart now,” and why is it so vital?
A: Living with a whole heart now means fully engaging with and embracing the present moment, rather than being consumed by past regrets or future anxieties. It signifies bringing your full attention, energy, and authentic self to whatever you are doing or experiencing. This is vital because our presence is the only true currency of life; by being fully present, we unlock our potential, find joy, and experience life’s richness, rather than letting it pass us by while we prepare for a “next moment” that may never come as expected.
Q2: If my perception shapes my reality, how can I consciously change my perception for a more empowering one?
A: Changing your perception involves conscious self-inquiry and intentional reframing. First, become aware of your current internal narrative and the “lens” through which you view situations. Ask yourself, “What story am I telling myself about this?” and “Is this story serving me?” Then, actively seek alternative perspectives. This might involve considering another person’s viewpoint, looking for positive aspects, or reframing a challenge as an opportunity for growth. The key is to consciously question your initial interpretations and intentionally choose a more constructive and empowering way of seeing.
Q3: Why is guilt considered self-inflicted suffering, and how can one begin to release its hold?
A: Guilt is viewed as self-inflicted suffering because, as the article notes, it’s a choice to perpetually punish oneself for past mistakes, often without leading to meaningful resolution or growth. It keeps us trapped in a cycle of self-condemnation. To release its hold, first acknowledge the mistake without judgment. Then, assess if any actionable steps can be taken for repair or learning. If not, the focus shifts to self-compassion and acceptance. Understand that releasing guilt is not condoning past actions, but freeing yourself to learn from them and move forward with greater wisdom and peace.
Q4: What exactly is the “space between thoughts,” and how can I access it through meditation or other practices?
A: The “space between thoughts” refers to the brief, silent moments of pure awareness that naturally occur in the intervals between distinct thoughts. It’s not about stopping thoughts, but rather noticing their momentary absence and resting in the stillness. You can access this by becoming an observer of your mind: sit quietly, close your eyes, and simply watch your thoughts arise and pass without attachment or judgment. As you practice, you’ll begin to notice the gaps. Deep breathing can also help anchor you in the present, making these spaces more apparent.
Q5: Is observing my thoughts the same as trying to control or stop them?
A: No, observing your thoughts is distinctly different from trying to control or stop them. Attempting to control or stop thoughts often leads to frustration and more mental activity. Observing, on the other hand, is a gentle, detached practice. It’s about witnessing thoughts as they arise and pass, much like watching clouds drift across the sky, without getting caught up in their content or judging them. This practice creates a healthy distance from the mental chatter, allowing you to recognize that “your thoughts are not you.”
Q6: How does cultivating presence and accessing inner stillness contribute to overall personal growth and well-being?
A: Cultivating presence and accessing inner stillness are foundational to personal growth and well-being in several ways. Presence allows you to fully engage with life’s opportunities, make conscious choices, and respond more effectively to challenges. The ability to observe your thoughts and access stillness provides a deep sense of inner calm, reducing stress and emotional reactivity. This practice fosters self-awareness, allowing you to connect with your authentic self, gain clarity, enhance intuition, and live a more intentional, peaceful, and fulfilling life.