Articles

Nothing Is Missing

by Cyndi Bulka

Everything we seek already exists within us…all the Peace, all the Joy, all the Wisdom, all the Love.  It is our true nature, these things.

Seeking always involves leaving something behind.  What we are invited to release are our fixed ideas and beliefs about ourselves and the world so that we can clearly witness what truly is.  The attachments we bear to some ideal, plan or judgment are in direct relationship to our personal suffering.  Often we attach an identity to ourselves; we literally create a label for ourselves, then use language to fortify that idea….”I am miserable”…. “I am worn out”…. I am struggling”…. “I am_______ fill in the blank”.  Are we truly these things?

What would our experience of life be like if we could let go of these identifications, re-language our self-talk, and instead immerse ourselves in to the essence of who we all are and in to the present moment as it is?  The most radical thing we can do with our lives is to be fully and deeply present.  In this space, we can make choices that support inner and outer harmony. 

Too often, we forget that we choose contentment (or not).  That choice is continually presenting itself, although we may not always recognize it.  The Yoga Sutra invites us to choose contentment, or Santosha. As a practice, Santosha is about being present in our moments, letting go of our attachment to some erroneous identity that likely no longer serves us or our relationship with the world, then recognizing the choice.  It’s not always easy, but it is pretty simple.  Oftentimes the only thing that stands between turmoil and peace in our hearts is our own willingness to choose.  Remember that the difficulties in our lives are simply opportunities for moving closer to truth, for seeing clearly, for practicing Santosha.

Be radically present.  Honor yourself.  Be still enough to hear what your heart speaks.  Respond with love and compassion.  Stillness is a dynamic place to be!  In the still heart of truth, perspective arises, and perspective is the beginning of freedom.

Namaste 

©Cyndi Bulka