Today, while speaking with my dad, I experienced something remarkable. And, no, it is not about parents-children kind of thing at all. The reason I called him, was to check how he was doing after a procedure he went through for back pain. And, I am talking about daily pain that is so severe, it is very hard to function. Basics things we all take for granted become a big project. It’s a painful physical human experience that can easily turn into an emotional challenge.
Anyways, for the first time in years, my dad experienced a significant relief. And, it was absolutely wonderful to see that relief in him. The improvements were dramtic.
But, there was something else I noticed. Something more profound.
For the first time ever, I was able to see my father as the being he is. A being who expressed relief, gratitude and inner peace. And, he didn’t have to say anything.
Now, this immediately put me into a deep state of gratitude. Quite obvious, right? After all, it is about my dad. But, there was something else. In this state, I was not separated from my father. And, the gratitude I felt was not because he is my biological father. The gratitude came from a place where I completely understood and experienced his experience. There was no I, me, or him. It was an expression of a being, who experiences a relief and inner peace, after a long and dreadful painful experience.
A fraction of second, and I felt this entire human experience of pain, relief, and gratitude. An entire timeline folded into one instant view.
Can other people open the gate to our true selves?
So, inner peace is here, and I feel nothing but love and gratitude. Then, a thought came. Can other people open the gate to our true selves? Funny, all this happened in the one day I didn’t meditate in the morning. Go figure.
Now, let’s think about this for a moment. When we meditate, we close our eyes and look inward. And, sometimes, this is not easy. All these thoughts appear out of nowhere marching like a trained army. And, the military band is there too.
But, what I just shared with you is quite the opposite. Yet, it provided a profound experience. I mean, looking at the “other person” made me connect with my true self without even trying or expecting it. There was zero effort to say the least. So, it begs the question. Is there’s something we can learn from this?
The moment the person goes, the search is over. And, truth reveals.
And, that’s exactly the point. That who seeks enlightenment only finds it once he or she stops looking. Turns out, what you have been searching all along, was right in front of you the entire time. It was you! The real you. Not, the person/ego who is always looking for something. There’s always something to do or to achieve.
Just like a fish who is constantly looking for water to drink. Can you imagine a thirty shark hanging around the reef looking for some water, asking other fish for help.
Maybe it’s time to really listen
Now, it’s time to be honest with ourselves. How many times you had a conversation with someone and you weren’t listening? And, I am asking this because I find myself doing this quite often. I am being honest and I am coming clean here. Here’s my confession.
I mean, some people just choose to talk about things that I absolutely have zero interest in. And, they just keep going and going. Bla bla bla, this, bla bla bla, that. I mean, common! They don’t really want to know my opinion. They just want to express theirs. But then, we don’t want to hurt their feelings, right? So, what do we do? We simply nod politely with our heads like we really care about what they are saying. Then, in parallel, we try to think about something else. How’s my dinner going to look like today? Or, should I have a second cup of coffee? Hmm…Perhaps I should go diving today. Maybe I will that thirty shark that is looking for water.
But, we do care about these people, right? And, maybe, what they say isn’t what’s important. Perhaps, there’s something else beyond the words.
The one question everyone should ask
Now, here’s the important part. It is never about them. It is all about you. Ask yourself, who is this, who finds what they are saying boring? Is this really you, or is it your mind expressing another one of its personal egoic point of views?
Remember our last post about personal views? The one question everyone should ask? Here is a reminder:
Right now, is my view Personal?
Obviously, if you find what they say boring or not relevant, you have a personal view. Perhaps, it’s the perfect time to let your personal view go. Then, put your attention on the other. Then, perceive (effortlessly of course). And, observe from your heart.
And, remember. He or she who are talking, are not their words. They are not their thoughts or opinions either. And, they are definitely not their personal views. Or, egos. And, if you can see that, regardless of the topic of the conversation, perhaps you will find yourself. Your true self.
Love and Aloha.
