October 2021 — Shamanic Meditation Studies – Change! (Our next Circle gathering will be on Saturday October 16 at 3 pm Arizona time).

Here is my observation. Mostly, we are waiting on the world to change without really committing to change how we fundamentally conduct our daily lives.

Here are some simple suggestions on how to remedy our lack of attention in the present moment. Please give them a try and let's open a dialog about remedies and solutions. Let's start with a few obvious diversions.

1. When the mind is preliminarily paying attention to its own desires and needs, the body's ability to flow with change is significantly impaired. We actually stop breathing for large portions of the day. With attention planted in the presence of the moment, we return to our breath. And, we immediately stop suffering, complaining, and blaming life, and others for life's problems. The solution – put your attention on the simple act of breathing.

2. Fully appreciate as many moments of the day that you can. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the day.

3. Let go of past grievances and resentments. Stop denying them, and choose to live in Presence. By extension, forgive yourself and others for your complaints, and move on.

4. Notice how much time you talk about what happened yesterday, or allow dreaming about the future to replace living in the moment. Dream about the future while working hard grounded in today.

5. Post your experiences here and get off of "social media", and deal with your addiction to television." 

6. Tune into Thursday night's offerings designed to celebrate our connection. Together, let's contribute to the content of that 30 minute interlude. I am open to suggestions.

7. The third Saturday of every month is an opportunity to delve deeper into these matters during our group meeting. Show up!