Although there’s been a fair amount of time since my course in Vipassana, the individual days and the title of each blog post that I committed to memory upon the reflection each evening, are all still fresh in my mind.
Day 7 was the first day that I didn’t feel the overwhelming need to rest in the lunch and afternoon breaks. Having come through the pain barrier and a number of emotional hurdles during my day’s of silence, this day was a reminder of how grateful I am for my health. I am mostly cognisant of the correlation between my physical well being and that of my quality of life, however today’s reflection was another reinforcement of how taking a break from toxins such as alcohol and incorporating more vegetables, some fruit and drinking lots of water, can be a simple but effective tool.
Because of the additional energy I had, the additional joy I could incorporate into my day increased – I walked more, through the beautiful bush and over the rocky outcrops on the property; I sat and admired the birds, the clouds and listened to the sounds of nature. It’s funny because when I talk to others about my experience at this course most are shocked and bewildered at why I want to do it again, yet it is just these experiences – of getting back to basics, being present, switching off from technology and other distractions and continually practicing mastering my mind, that are the reasons I would rather pose the question – why wouldn’t I.
Day 8: Back to Nature
Being in nature rejuvenates me, it makes me look in wonder at our world, it reminds me of how much beauty we are surrounded by, how precious life is and how much I have to be grateful for. There’s so much to see when you choose to be quiet, present and observe your surroundings. I watched as a blue wren flittered in and around the bushes, a goulds monitor moving through the undergrowth, the glistening web of a spider, dancing shadows as the sun peered through the tree tops… even reminiscing about that day has me feeling calm, centred and happy. In fact that’s something I’m learning to do more of – rather than seek happiness just in the present or the future for that matter, those goals I’m working towards. There is more benefit in looking to where I’ve come from, what I have achieved to remind me that I can be happy in the now.
Nature has many lesson’s that she’s constantly teaching us but the question is are we willing to listen? Our environment is ever changing, with the ebbs and flow of the water, the wind, the earth, day to night and day after day ever evolving. I’m an evolutionary woman… having been born with a womb yet unable to carry, I now seek to give birth to my inner light. Woah there trigger – too deep?!? I think that’s a whole other episode or three 😉
I do like to go in depth and challenge my own thoughts and hopefully get you thinking too but we’ll save that for another day. Let’s get back to nature…
Day 8 for me was another heaven on earth moment – such bliss – I get it when Barbara Marx Hubbard talks to the inner ‘Compass of Joy’ because it’s times like this that I am feeling connected to the world and to my self, the authentic me. Isn’t that what we’re all looking for… happiness and more accurately, happiness in the now! I do believe that to be attainable through choice, through mastering your mind, feeding your soul and actively seeking the experiences that your compass of joy can bring into your life when your willing to listen to it.
This is the point at which you get to choose your next adventure… Heaven on Earth or The Pain Barrier or just as awesome would be if you share your thoughts – you can add them below or engage me direct mailto: susie@MsSusanne.com.au
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It's the Journey not the Destination 