No More Auto Pilot

Be Deliberate

Yesterday I watched my 5 month old daughter frown at her feet. She was sitting up, moving her left toes, but her face said, "how is that happening?" It occurred to me that I am still getting used to existing in the physical world. We become accustomed to our bodies when we're kids, then stop paying attention to them, unless they hurt. Ever marveled at the grace of an animals' movement? They use all their muscles in concert all the time. They do not compartmentalize and they do not become over burdened by emotional baggage. That's not to say they can't feel emotions, but rather that they are so in the moment they can't collect those emotions and relive them later.


Have you ever looked back on something you've done or said and thought, "Why?!" Today's intention and subsequent practice will hopefully move you away from ever having to ask yourself that question again. Even if you look back on a word or action and find it less than admirable, at least you'll know why you did it. That may not seem like the best end to something you did that you're embarrassed about, but part of knowing yourself is taking responsibility for those things you don't like about yourself. Don't bury those things under action whose motivation is a mystery to you. Be yourself. Strive to be the best version and moving toward that best version means to understand and accept the version you are now.


We will continue the practice of drawing the mind internally on the breath and keeping it there. The practice of quieting the senses' power is called pratyahara. To know yourself intimately, it helps to place less emphasis on the outside world and concentrate on the internal environment. Not only does this practice quiet the mind, it presents an opportunity to be present in the moment. By concentrating on the breath, we will be less distracted and then can know each moment as it is, as opposed to how we perceive it through our experiences. As a result, our bodies, breath, and mind integrate. This integration means never again will one part of yourself make a decision that another part will question later.