PranaBeing blog: Being Right

We emphasize fact-finding and pride ourselves on being right. We want to eradicate what is wrong. We are so annoyed when people with views totally opposed to our own share the same zeal for rightness as we do—and they have their own arsenal of facts to prove it!

We hustle to align ourselves with the right people/decisions as we distance ourselves from the wrong ones. And when we are made to look wrong or feel wrong, we despair.

We swim in a sea of human-generated facts and information that grows exponentially by the moment. We frantically scramble to gather more facts—to “educate” ourselves—as if to build an unequivocal shelter. Yet at any time, what was right can become wrong and our house of cards comes tumbling down. We become alienated and confused. We forget that all this is mind-made stuff.

The truth remains simple, timeless, and unfathomable.

So far as human history can tell, right never vanquishes wrong; they co-exist, bound together like day to night.

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about. Ideas, language, even the phrase “each other” doesn't make any sense. - Jalaluddin Rumi

Consider that there is a way to BE right.

Consider that there is a part of you that is rooted in deep knowing of what is right, good, and true. Hint: it is not competing with the many other voices clamoring for attention. This is a vast, quiet presence. Like an ancient, giant tree, this part represents steady wisdom. It does not cower; it has no need to defend itself, justify, or prove. It is connected to truth just as the tree is connected through mycelium to the whole forest and beyond. It knows what is right by feel.

Instead of looking outward to make the determination, instead of contrasting right against wrong in search of clarity, the access to this way of being is through tapping into your roots, listening… going deeper…tapping in…listening…refining…

How do we tap in?

Start by learning how to turn your attention inward and relax. When we reconnect with ourselves, we find the path toward freedom. If you want to explore this, visit PranaBeing on InsightTimer (it’s free) and start practicing.

Would you rather be happy or would you rather be right?

Yes.

PranaBeing blog: Dance Break!!!

We are prana-beings; vibrational manifestations of consciousness. Yep, it’s true. If you are skeptical, read up on some physics and cutting edge science, or just pay close attention to your bodily experience in this moment.

Within the vibrational matrix of existence, our body-mind system orients itself through rhythm, specifically infradian, circadian, and ultradian cycles.

Circadian is the master cycle we know as the 24-hour cycle of darkness and light that affects every living thing on Earth.

Infradian cycles are longer than one day (e.g. the female moon cycle).

Ultradian cycles are shorter than the circadian rhythm, varying from a few minutes up to 120 minutes.

These rhythms govern many aspects of our physiology, including metabolism and hormones, as well as alertness, and even physical strength. By learning about these rhythms and how harness their power, we can optimize health and productivity.

All this to say that you should take a dance break. Really.

After about 25-90 minutes of focused mental activity, it’s highly beneficial to take 5 - 30 minutes and let your mind flow and your body move and breathe.

You can go deep into creating routines around these rhythms. I recommend this, since rhythm is a key to health. And, keeping things simple is also key to health. For that, all we need is awareness.

Experiment:

Notice when your energy or attention start to flag after some time of focused work. Tune into that signal from your body. Instead of suppressing or ignoring it, take a few moments to give yourself a break. If you have been physically working hard, sit down or lie down for a few moments. Take a breather. If you have been doing mental work, get up and move around. Stretch. Drink some warm water. Take a breather. (Notice that taking a breather is always recommended).

Cleanse your mental-emotional-physical palate between activities. (In Ayurveda, this is called observing the sandhi. Sandhi means “joint.” The transition between activities is the joint. We honor that by taking a moment to rest, breathe, dance / shake the body out / run around the block / shift your mental and physical state before diving into the next task.

Notice how refreshed you are and how much more energy and attention are available to you as you re-engage with your day.

And, if anyone asks about your spontaneous dance break, you can tell them you are following the recommendation of your yoga therapist and Ayurvedic Health Counselor. You’re welcome.