Practice every day.
Practice removing desires and expectations.
Practice mindfulness and release ignorance.
༄

Moksha is a beautiful concept in Indian philosophy and spirituality, often seen as a way to break free from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). It’s seen as the ultimate goal of our existence—a journey towards self-discovery and a deep connection with the divine, where we can let go of our earthly attachments and desires. Different traditions offer various paths to achieve moksha, such as seeking knowledge, showing devotion, meditating, and living a righteous life. At its heart, realizing our true self, or Atman, as being intertwined with Brahman, the universal spirit, is key to experiencing moksha. This journey symbolizes liberation from suffering and the end of the ignorance that weighs us down.

Modern Challenges

The challenge of attaining moksha in our modern society stems from the fast pace of our current existence. We constantly face distractions and the expectation of instant gratification in nearly every aspect of our lives, from the food we order to the news we consume. Information is at our fingertips, yet we quickly grow frustrated when our connection is slow or an app takes too long to load. Our excessive use of social media has dwindled our attention spans, creating an increasingly anti-social effect that diminishes our ability to engage in meaningful, face-to-face interactions.

This relentless focus on immediacy often leaves little room for reflection or spiritual growth, making the pursuit of moksha seem like an elusive dream. We must navigate a world where we undervalue patience and allow the constant lure of notifications and updates to overshadow mindfulness, ultimately challenging our journey towards inner peace and liberation.

Yet the way is not as dismal as it appears. We must remember the cyclical nature of being. Through our modern lives, we can learn to accept the ebb and flow between mindfulness and mindlessness.

Learning on the Path

I think we tend to get mired in the idea that we will arrive at a destination of presence and never return to mindlessness; at least that was my initial supposition. Over time, through reading several spiritual texts by the likes of Ram Dass, Alan Watts, and various others, I came to acknowledge the apparent backslide into mindlessness as a reminder of presence.

Mindfulness and mindlessness, hot and cold, love and hate are all examples of opposing sides of the same coin. These dualities exist in every aspect of our lives, reminding us that we cannot truly appreciate one without acknowledging its counterpart. For instance, to fully experience the warmth of love, we must also be aware of the potential for hate, as one is meaningless without the other. This understanding creates a fundamental truth: balance is essential. We must learn to navigate these contrasts, integrating both sides into our existence to achieve a harmonious life.

Finding the Witness

This ebb and flow of mindfulness can be a gateway to understanding, a path of presence, gradually allowing us to discover the witness, the calm presence that rests at the center of our being. As we engage in this practice, we may begin to notice the subtleties of our thoughts and emotions, recognizing them as fleeting phenomena that arise and pass away.

Non-judgmental and free from attachment, the witness experiences every aspect of life with total absorption, providing a profound sense of clarity and insight. This awareness not only fosters a deeper connection to ourselves but also enhances our relationships with others, as we learn to observe without the filters of preconceived notions or biases. Ultimately, embracing this mindful presence empowers us to navigate the complexities of life with serenity and grace.

moments of grace

Through this grace, we arrive at moksha, a place where we accept the ebb and flow of our ever-shifting awareness, recognizing that it serves as a doorway to enlightenment. As we cultivate this awareness, we begin to understand that each shift into mindlessness is not merely a lapse but rather offers us a vital way forward, a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on our internal landscape. It is within these moments of stillness that we can discover the parts of ourselves that remain stuck, mired in the relentless waves of craving and desire, often hidden beneath the surface of our consciousness. In embracing this process, we learn to navigate the currents of life with greater wisdom, ultimately moving towards liberation and inner peace, Moksha.

Practical path

Beginning a mindfulness practice doesn’t have to be time-consuming or stressful; in fact, it can be a refreshing addition to your day. You can start just like I did, with small steps—like putting aside multitasking or truly immersing yourself in whatever task you’re engaged in. This gentle approach really opened the door for me to explore practices that deepened my experience.

To begin a mindfulness practice, consider these actionable small steps:
1. Practice deep breathing by taking a few moments throughout the day to focus on your breath.
2. Engage your senses by noticing the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you as you go about your day.
3. Mindfully eat by savoring each bite, paying attention to the flavors, textures, and sensations of your food.
4. Take mindful walks where you focus on each step, the ground beneath you, and the movement of your body.
5. Perform daily tasks mindfully, such as washing dishes or showering, by concentrating fully on the activity at hand.
6. Limit multitasking, focusing on one task at a time to enhance your awareness and presence.
7. Set reminders to check in with yourself throughout the day, taking a moment to pause and breathe.
8. Practice gratitude by reflecting on things you appreciate each day, fostering a positive mindset.

Incorporating these simple steps into your daily routine can really boost your mindfulness practice, bringing more peace and awareness to your life. When you take a moment to be present, you’re not just finding calm; you’re enhancing your well-being in ways that truly matter. Keep in mind, mindfulness is a journey we’re all on, and the more you practice these techniques, the easier they’ll become. Embrace this path with patience and an open heart, and you’ll see how it transforms not just your experiences, but also your relationships and outlook on life.

༄

This Reiki-infused meditation gently shifts our awareness to the present moment. This practice allows us to consciously embrace each day, experiencing its beauty without worrying about the future or getting caught up in the past. Whether you start your day with this meditation or need to recenter yourself throughout the day, you can experience the essence of each moment.