Confused at all? Well, I feel like I’m just coming out of a black hole of confusion amidst all the changes this spring: vaccines, opening up, masks, inside, outside…and of course how these changes affect my family, my work, myself. The onset of clarity feels like the sweet smell of spring air running through my mind and body. Relief. Ease. More access to joy! I’ve been quoting the Tao of Pooh a lot this week. These wisdom teachings offer me a reminder of the root of my confusion,
Too much mental activity!
When I find myself buried in books, podcasts, articles, conversations, and excessive list making I recognize that I’m moving too deep in the mental realm, where I can get stuck. Initially I find comfort there, but ultimately it’s an avoidant habit. What am I avoiding? Feeling! I am recovering from a lifelong habit of avoiding my feelings, and when I avoid,
I get stuck in confusion!
I’ve learned that the path out of confusion in integration. Integrating whatever is going on mentally, with the physical. When I make the time to identify a safe enough space, and turn my attention inward, to my body; my breath; my heart; I am able to offer space for this integration to occur. To connect to my heart’s wisdom.
Then, poof! A clearing in the fog. Insight, understanding, and wisdom arise.
Now, I say poof! Because it feels like that, like it comes out of nowhere suddenly. However, there are skills we might need to develop to create the conditions for the poof! Especially if we haven’t had much practice in this arena. And the poof! comes in its own time, so patience is part of the practice. Still better than staying stuck! During this time of confusion, I turned towards the yogic text, Bhagavad Gita, for inspiration. I was reminded of these teachings;
Yogi Bhavana: be yogi. Yogi Yukta: be disciplined in study and practice. Remember, “the divine dwells deep in the heart of all beings.” [v. 6.46; 6.29; 18.61]
It is your connection to the divine essence that illuminates your heart, creating the space for understanding, insight, and the integrated experience of embodied wisdom…the opposites of confusion! So how do you connect to the intelligent inner knowing of your heart? As the Gita instructs…
Practice.
Any practice I’ve offered you in my other posts are perfect places to start and continue! Grounding in your body; noticing your breath; mindful movement; and connecting with trusted friends/family/counselor are all doorways to your heart.
If you feel too much discomfort with the practice below, stop the practice and return to the practices above. As always, gentle effort, lots of self kindness, and you can exit at any time!
Tuning into Your Heart:
- Organize your body in a comfortable position where you can place your hands over your heart.
- Take a few minutes to allow your body to settle into the ground or furniture supporting you. Invite long, slow, smooth breaths.
- Now rub your hands together quickly to create warmth between your palms. Place your palms over your heart and soften your shoulders, hands, and face. Notice: the weight of your hands on your chest; the temperature. If you body isn’t digging hands on your heart, rest your hands wherever they feel most comfortable.
- Return your attention to your heart and watch your breath breathe into and through this space (your heart space) for a few moments.
- Notice your physical experience of your heart space: tight, soft, cold, warm, maybe you sense the rhythm of your heart beat. If it feels accessible, notice any emotions that may be sitting with you. Maybe you can name them, or simply (not easy) notice any sensations: tender, achey, light, airy, numb, empty, full, flowing, calm, energized?
- Now invite your attention deeper into your heart. Seek the still place; the abode; the expansive calm presence that you are. You might dip in and out of this space, or be gently seeking, or resting full here for few breaths.
- To close, return your attention to your breath. Gently open your eyes and orient to your space. Slowly look around and take in your surroundings.
Spend as much time as you like in this practice. For beginners I suggest three to five (3-5) minutes. For those of you who’ve been practicing for a while, dwell here as long as you like! When you are feeling stuck with overwhelm and confusion, try this, maybe you’ll get the poof!
“A clever mind is not a heart. Knowledge doesn’t really care, wisdom does.” ~ The Tao of Pooh
May you be happy, healthy, and safe! May you live your life in peace and ease.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
