Living Consciously

As residents of planet earth, we have been individually and collectively seeking answers to the same questions. Why are we here? Is this all there is? We have traveled from lifetime to lifetime seeking the answers to these and many other questions trying to make sense of the reasons why things happen. We are trying to understand why one human being can cause so much pain to another, through some of the most inhumane behavior. We want to know why most of the planet, live in poverty and many of us see ourselves just a small step away from the bread line.

We rush along the road of life to the end, at such a fast rate not stopping to experience the simple things along the way. It is as if we are driving in a beautiful fast car, unconscious of the car, the road it is on or the surrounding countryside. It is like eating our favorite ice cream cone, gobbling it so quickly that we never taste it and we are left with the same hunger because we did not open our senses to experience the event.

Conscious living is the ability to “be” in the experience of being alive, with all senses awake and aware, feeling the “ice cream cone” as well as tasting and smelling it. It is the ability to be present in our life so that we can fully realize what brings us joy. What are our dreams? What makes us happy? If we could be and do anything at all in our life what would it be? Conscious living is the ability to be alive within ourselves, to be so connected with our inner glory that we can easily access our magical ability to bend and stretch time to suit ourselves.

It is possible to apply consciousness to all aspects of our lives. In our work, at play, in loving, eating, cooking we can begin to be aware of each moment of our lives. This makes our lives more exciting. It gives us the chance to appreciate our existence and the existence of everything and everyone around us. In order for us to “walk a mile in another’s shoes” we must be willing to really see and feel life around and in us. In order for us to “do unto other’s as we would want others to do unto us” we must know what makes us tick. Conscious living is about finding out what makes us tick so that we can embrace life on our terms without guilt or fear. This is what we have been seeking, the ability to have control over our world in positive and uplifting ways.

To live consciously – first, decide to live in slow motion. What I mean is; when you get up in the morning, use five minutes to meditate. The five minutes relaxes you so that you are able to see your day clearly. You might find that your ride to work goes more smoothly and you have more time to settle into work thus giving you a fabulous day.

Second, try and see things from both sides of the situation. For example, if a conflict occurs in your life try to see why you are feeling the way you do, and being aware that the other person is thinking and feeling the same as you, turn and see the situation from their perspective. Conflict is easily resolved when we are aware of ourselves because we then become the reflection of the emotions spinning around, seeking understanding.

Life is such an incredible opportunity to use what the sages of old have taught through the different modalities and doctrines. Over the temple of Delphi are the words “Know thyself and you will know the universe” or Christ “Love your neighbor as you love yourself”.

It still comes back to you. It is all about you. Check in with yourself and find that the whole world will make far more sense.