The embodied life
The ego is suffering. I am more than the ego. If the ego is suffering that does not mean that I am suffering as well. The ego can be very convincing though. Today, I felt sad and just a bit off. The mind indulged in the thinking of what this might all be about, what I need to do about it and how I can change it. Yet when I looked into the mirror in the bathroom I was surprised to see a beautiful, smiling even happy looking face. I am more than my thoughts. The thoughts might hang on to how things ought to be, when the other parts of the self are enjoying the way things are.
There is an innate wisdom in the body. If given the opportunity it will always find its way back to an equilibrium. The body communicates through sensations. Listening to them helps to get out of the thinking patterns. It brings us back to the present moment, to that which is going on right now. Listening to the sensations and reactions of the body to thoughts and outside influences helps to live an embodied life. There are essentially only two responses; we are either drawn towards something or away from it. Becoming aware of the muscle reaction helps us distinguish very clearly what is beneficial for our system and what is detrimental.
If we are willing to listen to the body’s reaction on this level of awareness, the ego will have a harder time suffering. The mind has received a new job: proprioception, the feeling and sensing within. Instead of being pre-occupied with circular thoughts, the brain is actively engaged in listening and being in communication with the body’s internal systems. This leads to wiser choices, a more authentic presence and an overall happier and healthier outlook on life.