Consciousness. . . . .
. . . . and changing levels of consciousness, is the whole point.
The idea that there is something true, something real, and something eternal, that is present and accessible to you. . . .That idea has to come first. . . . . You have to be able to at least imagine it to start. Then, it usually seems to just show up, around the same time as the understanding about the interconnected nature of the entire universe. And about the sametime as the concept of non duality.
What I am speaking about is what all that means.
I sometimes lose track of that point along the way, and things arise which remind me again, aha. . .this is the point.
Athletics can be a great vehicle for experiencing this rise/change/realization of a certain level of consciousness beyond the "normal" state. The activity itself, by nature of the fact that it is physical, and because it involves some sort of "challenge" requires a certain level of concentration to execute at certain times.
Some "times" can be more fruitful for that change in consciousness then other times may be, for certain people. One of those times is competition. There is nothing magical about competition, but the combination of factors, the crowd, the emotions, the build up, the stress, all of it tends to require a more intense use of that skill. . . . .concentration.
Concentration when held long enough, can produce an alternate state of consciousness. A state where the actions of the athlete take place outside the realm of conscious thought. A state which if reflected upon by an serious, and brave human being, can bring into question the very nature of a persons existence.
Once that is understood, then that "point" can be reached in much simpler sets of circumstances. Within the Gym, driving in a car, talking with your child, or eating ice cream. Speaking specifically of athletics, the athlete may no longer need competition as time passes. Because they learn to use the physical activity itself for the same purpose, and therefore bypass the need for the added stress. Having realized how to achieve the same effect, using far less set up. . . a much more efficient, and readily accessible method opens up for me.
Not everyone will go there yet. And of those that do, fewer still will speak about it. That is neither positive or negative, it just is.
Now it is important for me to remember that this method for realization. . .athletics. . .is just one of MANY mechanisms. It holds certain advantages in that it is usually fairly healthy for the body, when done properly. It is internal, in that it requires no outside substances to be ingested or taken. And it is fast. Meaning it can take nearly everyone there given the right exposure to the right method.
It also has downfalls. It can be regressive if it reinforces the ego through the concept of "personal" achievement, will to power, pride-shame, measurement as a means of identity, and aggression.
All of which cast large shadows.
This is especially true if an athlete engages in competitive activity without the benefit, or understanding of any of these ideas. If the above mentioned points are never considered, then sports hold no more significant role then walking the dog, washing a dish, or taking a shower. Although all such activities prove useful at certain times.
Like all drugs, athletics in the BIG sense of the word, has a greater potential for a downside when taken in large doses. Read the dosage as the degree to which you identify with the activity through a sense of personal doership. Read smaller doses as a more private, simpler technique used to achieve freedom from that same doer concept.
One has far more potential for poison then the other. And each has it's time and place.
It is also important for me to remember the point. The point is the raising of consciousness, which when realized, leads to change in ones being, behavior, outlook, peace, happiness, and joy.
Remembering that realization occurs before any change in being can take place, is crucial.
Realizing that this is the greatest point of any physical activity, is beautiful.
Atheltics are not the only activity, or even the best activity for a human to realize this with. They are simply ONE activity, of MANY, and may in some cases be the best vehicle for a certain individual. While another mechanism may turn out to be ar more effective for another human being. This is natural. Which is the one for YOU can only be determined by YOU, and only from inside, from intuition, from following your heart. From, as Joseph Campbell would say, Following Your Bliss.
Painting, writing, bike riding, running, bird watching, knitting, playing music, listening to music, dancing, sex, certain types of stress, and intense compassion for any other human being, all can be vehicles. It is never for me to judge anyone else's vehicle. My job is just seeing how it IS a vehicle for them. . . the IS being what is happening NOW.
Once that point is really understood. . .competition outside ones self is not much of an issue. The search for self "image" loses it's power. And the reality of the day to day state of mind one holds, becomes the actual point.
Although I must speak honestly in my case and tell you I lose that point ALL the time. Only to remember again that it is ALWAYS right HERE, and always right NOW.
That is the deal with athletics.
And even if I know all this to be true, and can use it as such, there is still a tremendous amount of residual fear-desire that I hold to, and slowly, very slowly, realize I am letting go of. But always completely, and always now.
When that total surrender is achieved. . .surrender being the word of absolute importance as it contains no room for compromise. . .the only thing left is pure, natural, wise, Love.
Share that.
The idea that there is something true, something real, and something eternal, that is present and accessible to you. . . .That idea has to come first. . . . . You have to be able to at least imagine it to start. Then, it usually seems to just show up, around the same time as the understanding about the interconnected nature of the entire universe. And about the sametime as the concept of non duality.
What I am speaking about is what all that means.
I sometimes lose track of that point along the way, and things arise which remind me again, aha. . .this is the point.
Athletics can be a great vehicle for experiencing this rise/change/realization of a certain level of consciousness beyond the "normal" state. The activity itself, by nature of the fact that it is physical, and because it involves some sort of "challenge" requires a certain level of concentration to execute at certain times.
Some "times" can be more fruitful for that change in consciousness then other times may be, for certain people. One of those times is competition. There is nothing magical about competition, but the combination of factors, the crowd, the emotions, the build up, the stress, all of it tends to require a more intense use of that skill. . . . .concentration.
Concentration when held long enough, can produce an alternate state of consciousness. A state where the actions of the athlete take place outside the realm of conscious thought. A state which if reflected upon by an serious, and brave human being, can bring into question the very nature of a persons existence.
Once that is understood, then that "point" can be reached in much simpler sets of circumstances. Within the Gym, driving in a car, talking with your child, or eating ice cream. Speaking specifically of athletics, the athlete may no longer need competition as time passes. Because they learn to use the physical activity itself for the same purpose, and therefore bypass the need for the added stress. Having realized how to achieve the same effect, using far less set up. . . a much more efficient, and readily accessible method opens up for me.
Not everyone will go there yet. And of those that do, fewer still will speak about it. That is neither positive or negative, it just is.
Now it is important for me to remember that this method for realization. . .athletics. . .is just one of MANY mechanisms. It holds certain advantages in that it is usually fairly healthy for the body, when done properly. It is internal, in that it requires no outside substances to be ingested or taken. And it is fast. Meaning it can take nearly everyone there given the right exposure to the right method.
It also has downfalls. It can be regressive if it reinforces the ego through the concept of "personal" achievement, will to power, pride-shame, measurement as a means of identity, and aggression.
All of which cast large shadows.
This is especially true if an athlete engages in competitive activity without the benefit, or understanding of any of these ideas. If the above mentioned points are never considered, then sports hold no more significant role then walking the dog, washing a dish, or taking a shower. Although all such activities prove useful at certain times.
Like all drugs, athletics in the BIG sense of the word, has a greater potential for a downside when taken in large doses. Read the dosage as the degree to which you identify with the activity through a sense of personal doership. Read smaller doses as a more private, simpler technique used to achieve freedom from that same doer concept.
One has far more potential for poison then the other. And each has it's time and place.
It is also important for me to remember the point. The point is the raising of consciousness, which when realized, leads to change in ones being, behavior, outlook, peace, happiness, and joy.
Remembering that realization occurs before any change in being can take place, is crucial.
Realizing that this is the greatest point of any physical activity, is beautiful.
Atheltics are not the only activity, or even the best activity for a human to realize this with. They are simply ONE activity, of MANY, and may in some cases be the best vehicle for a certain individual. While another mechanism may turn out to be ar more effective for another human being. This is natural. Which is the one for YOU can only be determined by YOU, and only from inside, from intuition, from following your heart. From, as Joseph Campbell would say, Following Your Bliss.
Painting, writing, bike riding, running, bird watching, knitting, playing music, listening to music, dancing, sex, certain types of stress, and intense compassion for any other human being, all can be vehicles. It is never for me to judge anyone else's vehicle. My job is just seeing how it IS a vehicle for them. . . the IS being what is happening NOW.
Once that point is really understood. . .competition outside ones self is not much of an issue. The search for self "image" loses it's power. And the reality of the day to day state of mind one holds, becomes the actual point.
Although I must speak honestly in my case and tell you I lose that point ALL the time. Only to remember again that it is ALWAYS right HERE, and always right NOW.
That is the deal with athletics.
And even if I know all this to be true, and can use it as such, there is still a tremendous amount of residual fear-desire that I hold to, and slowly, very slowly, realize I am letting go of. But always completely, and always now.
When that total surrender is achieved. . .surrender being the word of absolute importance as it contains no room for compromise. . .the only thing left is pure, natural, wise, Love.
Share that.
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