There is an energy inside of each of us that, if we can become aware of, adds a vibrancy and freedom to our every action. When aware of this energy we can cut right through the illusions that usually color our perceptions. It’s not just inside us, it is the very substance of everything. But without even assuming that is the truth, without going to explanation, this energy can be felt as a very concrete sensation. It shows up in many different ways at different times and people experience it in different ways. The description I give is only to be considered a hint or doorway. You may experience this energy as a tingling sensation or see it as light or feel a warmth or it may be similar to breathing in the aroma of fresh jasmine tea. You will recognize it by the fact of it’s aliveness and vibrancy and the perception that it is moving and ultimately the deep knowledge that it is good.

A simple but powerful practice is to view the world without any reference to yourself – to me. One way to begin this practice is to notice whether, when looking at another person or object, "Do I have a story running about what they, it means to me?" "Am I filtering my perceptions through my perceived/interpreted relationship to the person or object I’m looking at?" If so, see if you can let that go. A great way to make this easier is to see if you can view the world as a collection of shapes, colors and shades, as if you were looking to paint it. Take the labels off of everything. Try to see everything for just what it is without reference or meaning to yourself or anything else. This is as close to seeing truly as you’re likely to get. The world will come alive when you do this.

In a sense breath is everything. If your breath is moving freely, so will the rest of the energy in your body. And if your body energy is flowing, most likely, your life will as well. Thus breath is a great indicator or tell. If you’re feeling experimental in this moment, try this with me. Notice right now how your breath is moving. Don’t worry about trying to change anything. Try not to engage in judgment. Just notice. What is the quality of the sensation of breathing in this moment? Is it smooth and flowing? Maybe the in breath starts out smooth and then gets tight. Maybe you’re not breathing all the way out. Just notice what’s happening with loving attention. And as you pay attention, notice if anything is changing. Is there tension in your chest, diaphragm, or belly? Notice where your breath is flowing and take some time to enjoy the feeling of flow and any pleasant sensations that are happening. Notice if there is tension. If so, just bring your attention to it and allow it to be there. Breath with it. Notice if there is change and know that any change you notice is your body healing itself. When you’ve spent as much time as you want with this exercise, transition slowly into the next activity in your day. Notice any changes in your breathing as you transition. And check in with your breath occasionally throughout your day. Allow your breath to do what it needs to do and your life will flow more smoothly.

What if you can’t even imagine what it would really be like to live in Essence? What if the real you that has been covered up by some wound, some personality piece, is so different than your current reality that it’s like a fish trying to imagine what it’s like to breath air and walk on land? Some times the emergence of the real truth, the organic self, is just like cleaning a mirror and you simply say, smiling big, “oh, there you are!?” Like playing peek-a-boo. But sometimes, it’s more like, WOW, who knew that was even possible. I didn’t know I could do that, or be that way. Sometimes the emergence of the new or real is going to be completely outside of your current set of beliefs about yourself and the world. And for this to emerge, you have to be willing to let go of the how you currently think about or define yourself and be willing to allow the new to unfold.

It is very useful to step outside my experience and witness it, almost as if I am watching someone else. Especially if you find yourself suffering in some way, this will often help stuck energy to move. So try this  some time when you feel inspired. Ask yourself, “Who is this person who is _______(in pain, tension, unhappy, etc.)  And just observe with a loving, curious attention. You may find an instant softening happens, or perhaps a tightening, or shaking. Whatever happens, just witness and allow the energy to move or not move. Don’t meddle. Observe. You may want to ask yourself this question several times. It can be very useful in everyday life. What better time to transform than when actually dealing with or in the midst of life. Why wait for when you’re meditating. Let’s say you’re driving your car, somebody is driving slow in the left lane in front of you and you’re starting to get angry, maybe feeling trapped, etc. Ask yourself, right then, “Who is this person that is feeling angry and trapped?” I’ve often gone straight from anger to laughter in a situation like that when I’m able to step outside the experience and observe. It can also work wonders in relationships when you’re triggered in some way.

I’d love, if you would be willing, to hear about you’re experiences with this concept. How did you make it your own?

This can be used as a mantra that is especially useful when life seems to not be going smoothly or in times of despair. It is a way of surrendering, of just accepting what the universe has to offer. It creates an openness and softness towards the moment. You may find your body softening as you speak this mantra.

My kind of Zen