The Magic Within3/18/2019
Everything in this world is connected by invisible threads of energy, and are an expression of that infinite web. Tapping into that power doesn't have to be a religious experience - nor does it have to be complicated.
(Image source johnhain on Pixabay) Last week, I discussed how psychology lends its logic to the concept of magic. Your mind is a powerful tool: it holds your memories and habits at the ready while processing the current experience, using both past and present to predict and imagine future possibilities. Many have said the brain is the world's most advanced computer, with which we have created so many technologies from literally nothing. So often we take for granted the magic of the human mind. Something From Nothing Nearly everything in our lives is a result of the magical mind. Once upon a time, long, long ago, humans lived among the animals foraging and hunting for the next meal. One day, a human mind imagined gathering beasts to breed in one place and planting fields of crops. The energy saved by those advancements went on to allow other minds to contemplate mathematics, logic, and the nature of the Universe. It doesn't take spirituality to stand in awe of the power of the human mind. You may be thinking, 'Everything's already been done by now,' or, 'I'm not smart enough to advance anything like that.' The road seems like an uphill battle against thousands of years of technology. But take heart: you have that magic within you, too. A Realistic Legacy Not everyone invents a new gadget or process that makes it into history books. For the average person, that can seem a daunting task - and a disappointing fact. However, you are far from powerless. The infinite web flows through you at all times, meaning every one of us is an integral part of the whole. Many people have lamented feeling like a "cog in the machine," but I urge you to consider the other side of that coin. Being part of something bigger can be a wonderful feeling. The difference is perspective: another magic of the mind.
In the "machine" that is human civilization, each 'cog' has the power to adapt to its surroundings. Altering a disgruntled perspective to a grateful one, for instance, a battered and crumbling 'cog' can reinforce its own cracks, oil points of contact, and shape its teeth to better match those it connects with. The perspective of being part of something greater has a tendency to inspire self-care more often than not. What's So Great About A Cog? Interestingly enough, gears are human-made technology in of themselves. It's tempting to feel like a cog is nothing special, because machines are so common in today's world. But long ago, they were amazing pieces of innovation! The fact that they seem so common now is a testament to how important the concept of a gear is to building society as we know it! This article offers two meditations instead of just one. First, to find appreciation for the cog, the tiny parts of a machine. Search your home for a machine you use every day. This could be a coffee maker, washer or dryer, or a chainsaw. Put careful thought into your selection, but make sure it's a machine with parts you can access (at least visually, you don't have to take it apart or anything). Meditate on the machine you chose, studying the cracks and whatever parts you can easily access. Consider how often you've used it, and other thoughts such as: When was the last time you cleaned the outside, shined or sharpened it? What happened to its predecessor? What do you intend to do when it finally breaks? How well have you maintained it? Do your best to consider it as a "cog" in the machine of your daily life, and just observe where your mind takes that idea. |
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Meditating As The Cog
After completing the above exercise at least once, meditate on yourself as a cog in something larger than your life. This might be as an employee of a company, a member of a family, or generally a drop in the sea of society. This is likely to generate some deep feelings, some (or many) of which will be negative. Prepare yourself for a difficult journey through this meditation, as it might be painful to switch perspectives.
Think about what that larger "something" does for you, for better AND worse. Write these down so you can refer to them later. Don't judge them, just observe. There's no right or wrong feeling here.
Now turn back to the list. How many of these could you do for yourself (and don't)? What would happen if you did? While you may be inspired to act upon these thoughts (rightfully so!), stick with the meditation rules: let them pass. It sounds counter-intuitive, but is a necessary step. End the meditation when you've let go of that urge to act and are simply observing.
But...Ideas Are Good, Right?
This is where you are tapping into the magic of the mind. Two things are going on that require you to let go of the ideas you want to act on.
1.) You are allowing your mind to ease into switching perspective. Action would force the "gears to grind," so to speak, and will get in the way of long-term change.
2.) Letting go of the ideas charges them with the task of reinventing themselves. Exercise trust in your mind to do one of three things: a) dispose of bad ideas that seem good in the moment, b) improve the idea and c) remind you later when you're in a position to act.
Meditation isn't the place for action, it is for balancing perspective through accepting inward observations. Set up a time dedicated to brainstorming separate from meditation, if you feel the need to. Combining the two, however, dilutes the point of both. To get the most from your magical mind, it is best to separate observation from action whenever possible.
This can be a life-changing exercise, so don't be surprised if you feel the first time (or first few times) it feels pointless. Yet another function of the mind is to create obstacles, or mental blockages, to prevent mental or emotional trauma. This can manifest as a strong urge to avoid such deep thoughts altogether. It may take some time to ease into those depths.Take it slow, and steady, as this exercise can help develop the foundation of your raw inner power.
After completing the above exercise at least once, meditate on yourself as a cog in something larger than your life. This might be as an employee of a company, a member of a family, or generally a drop in the sea of society. This is likely to generate some deep feelings, some (or many) of which will be negative. Prepare yourself for a difficult journey through this meditation, as it might be painful to switch perspectives.
Think about what that larger "something" does for you, for better AND worse. Write these down so you can refer to them later. Don't judge them, just observe. There's no right or wrong feeling here.
Now turn back to the list. How many of these could you do for yourself (and don't)? What would happen if you did? While you may be inspired to act upon these thoughts (rightfully so!), stick with the meditation rules: let them pass. It sounds counter-intuitive, but is a necessary step. End the meditation when you've let go of that urge to act and are simply observing.
But...Ideas Are Good, Right?
This is where you are tapping into the magic of the mind. Two things are going on that require you to let go of the ideas you want to act on.
1.) You are allowing your mind to ease into switching perspective. Action would force the "gears to grind," so to speak, and will get in the way of long-term change.
2.) Letting go of the ideas charges them with the task of reinventing themselves. Exercise trust in your mind to do one of three things: a) dispose of bad ideas that seem good in the moment, b) improve the idea and c) remind you later when you're in a position to act.
Meditation isn't the place for action, it is for balancing perspective through accepting inward observations. Set up a time dedicated to brainstorming separate from meditation, if you feel the need to. Combining the two, however, dilutes the point of both. To get the most from your magical mind, it is best to separate observation from action whenever possible.
This can be a life-changing exercise, so don't be surprised if you feel the first time (or first few times) it feels pointless. Yet another function of the mind is to create obstacles, or mental blockages, to prevent mental or emotional trauma. This can manifest as a strong urge to avoid such deep thoughts altogether. It may take some time to ease into those depths.Take it slow, and steady, as this exercise can help develop the foundation of your raw inner power.