Looking for Peace
January 29th, 2019 by Keshav Howe
In order to directly experience peace, we have to give up the quest for peace.
19 Responses to “Looking for Peace”
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Oh Joe, the “suffer or surrender” choice!!!
That was what I was forgetting even though it was made so clear. Thank you for the reminder.
Prior to my session last night I practiced the magic eye book. I initially had a difficult time “trying” to find the image. Mind wanted to seek a resolution through frustration which felt very tempting to follow. However, choosing to stay relaxed and present allowed for the picture to open up. The invitation and reminder was that the choice to suffer or surrender is in our hands.
I needed to remind myself again today Betty. I have noticed that I am gentle on myself when I do things “right” , but when mind doesn’t agree with an action the guilt can be vicious.
I knew that was coming! Actually it was an inside joke where I used to work and it reminds me a a group of people that were like family. We fought together but we were always there for each other when the going got tough. And we laughed a lot together. So, it is a fond memory of the times when we could get real and laugh at ourselves.
Hey, Betty – wanted to note that it is mean to refer to oneself as ‘Marblehead’. Just saying. Namaste.
Joe, Just re-read your comment on being kind to yourself and I just got it that I have been very mean to myself lately. Every comment has that ability to lift someone up, when “light (finally) dawns on Marblehead.” Thanks.
Thank you all for the reminder to be kind to self
Yes Keshav, I agree about Fred Rogers. I have seen some shows. And he was a very simple person outwardly. But he was hugely spiritual, cosmic, and an activist actually.
He did some pretty outrageous things on TV, also given that it was that long ago.
A real guru
The more I allow myself to experience that space of divinity the more painful living a life of separation has become .To deny our universal self just doesn’t make sense. Like the mantra we are working with, the light within us is a reminder of home.
I was lying in bed with my cats, thinking about all the things that I am not getting done. Thinking about all the goals, all the to do lists that are constantly waiting. So In my mind , i just threw them out one by one. Started feeling bad and helpless. But in a strange way I was letting them go. And then by surprise at the end I felt peaceful !!!! It’s sort of snuck up on me . I didn’t expect it . It was a fun surprise
Searching for peace for me is the denial that peace exists. As long as I deny peace I will never know or experience peace.
I love Keshav’s example of searching for peace, or presence, etc: It’s like having your glasses perched on top of your head and searching everywhere unable to find them.
https://youtu.be/9UglUjiJifA This is a link to a YouTube song of Native American drum music. It is only about a five minute song. But I have listened to it for many years. And I use it in my classes of my senior chair yoga. We don’t use drums we just move our hands and feet to the beat . I would like to share with you as it is very dear to me .
this song brings me much peace .
Thank you Ceejaypea. Surrendering to Now – as it is. Peace is not conditional.
Surrender is the way of peace. Namaste.
My direct experience is the same — by not imposing my personal point of view on the present moment for the purpose of doing something with it or trying to fix it in any way, the moment is left in its prestine state of stillness. Any teensy desire to control, change or manipulate the present moment puts a thick veil upon the essence of the moment. The veil of desire creates a perceived separation from peace that is everpresent. Eventually my mind and body tighten under its weight and that constriction wakes me up at which point the veil drops automatically without any effort or doing at all. Once the desire for control drops, I recognize I have all the control in the world. Once the desire for peace drops there is only peace.
I have noticed that peace arises from no effort. Whether routine activities or energy work, I am at my most still when I stop trying to fix the present moment. In my last energy session, things would come up and drop without attachment instantly. All that was left to do was surfing on waves of peace. I have also noticed that I attach truth to agitation. Tightening around a thought or action is working for peace without ever obtaining it. Freedom is truly always present.