So here I am 'caught' in some kind of traffic stoppage on the interstate...
It is the perfect time to be in the present and watch our reactions and responses.
- I can feel frustrated or angry because this stoppage has created an inconvenience in my life... I "have" to be there in 15 minutes.... so I get all worked up and completely resist the situation... maybe swearing at some unknown cause... others have started honking and their impatience is felt to the bone... the extreme thought is that "Life" is against me and the next step is to blame the Universe... this we may call the reactive response...
- I might wonder if there is an accident ahead... and even send up a prayer for those who may be hurt if that is the case... we can call this the curiosity response...
- If I see an exit, I may take that and explore a new route or go another known way... this can be labeled the active choice response...
- I may also accept what is in the present moment... and realizing I have no control over changing the situation, can relax into simply being... we might call this the Being response...
Of course, we may go through all of these responses or reactions and more all in a very short time...
Accepting "what is" in the present moment is the path to conscious living... seeing and catching our responses... being aware of our reactions, frees us to choose a different response... many reactions emerge from a specific attachment to an expectation... "I want to be on time for the appointment in 15 minutes" ... "I hate to be late" ... any situation is grist for the mill of learning... when we notice we are emotionally reacting or mentally withdrawing, we can use this as a teachable moment of self-guiding. What is it I am attached to at this time? What were my expectations?
Everything that occurs in life can bring us back to the present moment... the now of conscious living... even being caught in traffic...or being in line... can provide some meditative moments to "Be" and enjoy the Life we are... noticing how Life is continuing to breathe through us over and over again... returning the center of stillness in the midst of all that is going on around us...
Blessings and Love,
John
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Expect the unexpected... and may Loving Kindness be our Guide...
John Hutchinson ~ Denver, Colorado
Life Coaching, Dream Tending, Rune Reading,
Psychosynthesis Guiding, and Transition Consulting
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"A Heart filled with Love is like
a phoenix that no cage can hold." ~ Rumi
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