The Power of Presence: Practicing Presence
Continuing our analysis of the Power of Presence, Echkart Tolle begins with a question: Can you learn to be present? Or Do you have to wait for it to arise? Take a moment and ponder those two questions, applying them to the various events in your life. More than likely as you do more questions arise, which I believe needs to occur. As you look at these events see if you were just "there" or were you truly present. As Tolle states; "can you be present and not just 'a means to an end'". Picture in you mind, (example by Tolle) washing your hands; paying special attention to the process of washing and not just the act of washing. I love how he challenges us to, "get out of our mind and into the present moment (presence)." I suggest you try this the next time (and times after) you wash.
"Become aware of your surroundings.... become aware of yourself in this moment....Come into the present moment.... breathing & alive." Anything that you do consciously can bring in presence. Seems so very accessible, so very easy, and yet we seem to struggle. Tolle brings in a concept which may explain this struggle; "conceptual identity." Our sense of identity is derived from "me & my life, " whether it be positive or negative. This identity becomes a part of your life and you live through this lens; often passing this identity onto others. Our judgments are based on this identity and as a result it can be hard to truly relate to others as you look, "through a veil." Tolle would say that your mind becomes a screen.
So then how do we learn to be present? According to Tolle, as we become aware of our surroundings and come into the present moment this sense of awareness is more truly who you are. He would say we, "no longer look to the story to find our sense of identity." To become free of conceptualization love, empathy, and compassion may arise.
As you take yourself through: Practicing Presence Sequence* keep Tolle's words in your mind. See if you can be present in this practice, taking each asana as it is and experience the process and not as a means to an end. "Create Spaces" inside you/inside your mind.
* Practicing Presence Sequence: portions of this sequence were taken from a practice that I attended with a teacher that I truly admire, whose passion for teaching shines out for all to experience; Crystal Hanson.
"Become aware of your surroundings.... become aware of yourself in this moment....Come into the present moment.... breathing & alive." Anything that you do consciously can bring in presence. Seems so very accessible, so very easy, and yet we seem to struggle. Tolle brings in a concept which may explain this struggle; "conceptual identity." Our sense of identity is derived from "me & my life, " whether it be positive or negative. This identity becomes a part of your life and you live through this lens; often passing this identity onto others. Our judgments are based on this identity and as a result it can be hard to truly relate to others as you look, "through a veil." Tolle would say that your mind becomes a screen.
So then how do we learn to be present? According to Tolle, as we become aware of our surroundings and come into the present moment this sense of awareness is more truly who you are. He would say we, "no longer look to the story to find our sense of identity." To become free of conceptualization love, empathy, and compassion may arise.
As you take yourself through: Practicing Presence Sequence* keep Tolle's words in your mind. See if you can be present in this practice, taking each asana as it is and experience the process and not as a means to an end. "Create Spaces" inside you/inside your mind.
* Practicing Presence Sequence: portions of this sequence were taken from a practice that I attended with a teacher that I truly admire, whose passion for teaching shines out for all to experience; Crystal Hanson.
PRACTICING PRESENCE SEQUENCE
OPENING
Heart Opener w/two blocks
Wide Windshield Wipers
TABLETOP
CNC/Moving CNC w/ lion's breath
Leg back & over
Hip Circles
Low Lunge/knee down/arms up/hamstring lengthening
Crouching Dog/D.D.
REPEAT OTHER SIDE
SUN SALUTATIONS
Classical/Cobra w/a hiss
STANDING/BALANCING
F.F.
Chair
Crescent
Warrior I
Humble Warrior
Pyramid
Standing L
F.F.
REPEAT OTHER SIDE
Squat/Malasana w/blocks or bolsters
SEATED
Head to Knee
90/90 Twist
Staff Pose w/blocks
BACK
Windshield Wipers/Hold
Supported Back Bend w/bolster
Legs up Wall w/bolster
SAVASANA/MEDITATION
Squat/Malasana w/blocks or bolsters
SEATED
Head to Knee
90/90 Twist
Staff Pose w/blocks
BACK
Windshield Wipers/Hold
Supported Back Bend w/bolster
Legs up Wall w/bolster
SAVASANA/MEDITATION
Resources:
https://www.soundstrue.com/store/
No comments:
Post a Comment