From animal to enlightenment

We seem obsessed with all the bad that happens in the world, but to me it’s the natural evolution of an animal species into a transcendent species. We call this place purgatory or Samsara, but it’s just humanity fumbling through its own evolution. Let’s not get too bothered by our own inconsistencies, and instead focus on our collective awakening. When one of us wakes up, the others around us start to wake up too. A close friend of mine likes to say we will all ascend together. I like that. We have to work with each other and grow as a species not just as individuals.

Before we know God, we know the angels. Before we know angels, we know a practice. Before we know a practice, we know a doctrine. This is the progression. Of course these things, in themselves, can only be given. The only gift I have to share is practice. Zen mindfulness will serve you well. Practice daily and don’t ruminate on the bad. Live each moment as it is, and focus on what you’re doing, not on what’s in your head. Live in your body. Live in the moment. It’s the only time that ever exists; right now. It’s always “now.” When we get lost in our personal story, we lose the moment that greets us now. When we spend our time waiting for the next “better” moment, we lose the present moment; the only moment we have. We’re moving through life in a perpetual present moment, but it’s not good enough for so many of us. It takes practice, so start today. Some of you have been practicing for a while already. When you persist in your practice, you grow in intuition and insight.

Intuition generally means wisdom gained from experience. Insight is like an “aha!” moment that gives us a deeper understanding of our particular situation, or a situation we are close to. True Insight is a gift that only comes from the divine. It is one of the benefits of mindful meditation. Keep a journal of your thoughts and study them. Know yourself well and write down your insights. They may be helpful to someone someday.