How does one incorporate Mindfulness into Daily Tasks and Activities?

A special thanks to Rus Devorah Darcy Wallen for this great question:

How does one incorporate Mindfulness into Daily Tasks and Activities?

That is a great question and it allows me the time to ask a couple more questions: Where do thoughts arise from? Can you pin point a thought? Where do they go? Does the mind have a border or perimeter? Meditation only asks for mindfulness – nothing more…

What really is meditation? Meditation is the conscious focus of the present. What is happening right now? That is meditation… When we let our thoughts run ramped we are replaying tapes of fear and fantasy, past and future – the director of this mental function is your ego and false-self. When you are mindful of the present moment something amazing happens: The act of rooting the mind in the present creates subtle gaps between those thoughts of fear and fantasy, past and future. A respite from the mental chatter… it is then that your ego is powerless; sublime quietness ushers in wisdom and True Nature. You are living in the moment; present, authentic and connected to your inner and outer surroundings – that is meditation: The focus is on what is happening right now – the experience at hand and all the feelings and emotions associated with that moment… and the next moment… and the next moment….

Did you know you can meditate anytime and anywhere?

I do bike riding meditations all the time. Walking meditations are great too because any meditation that includes exercise is fantastic! I have this beautiful forest preserve near my home with miles of trails that traverse ponds, tree tunnels, marshes and wild flower fields – no man-made intervention, few people, lots of birds and sometimes perfect clouds above. As I ride, I connect to what is around me and not the continuous thoughts in my head. As I ride I breathe in the sweet air, notice the intricacies and beauty of nature and in doing so; stretch those gaps in my mind between aimless thoughts. Within those authentic gaps is this sublime connection to energy, relaxation, reverence and bliss. My thoughts slow, inspiration and awareness is fine-tuned and there is this heartfelt feeling that I am evolving in the right direction.

That is meditation….

…and when you incorporate meditation into your daily life practice you are becoming more aware and present. Remember, meditation does not have to include rules and uncomfortable sitting positions. Meditation is about being mindful of the present – nothing more and nothing less. You can be mindful in the shower, washing the dishes or walking the dog. Even at work, take a quick minute and find some fresh air. Even 5 minutes a day is beneficial. 30 seconds is better than nothing. A mindful eye on your breathing; how does my body feel? Am I centered in the moment? Watch how the sun glistens off dew drenched leaves in the morning. This is mindfulness and it is intoxicating. Get creative and find mindfulness in all your everyday activities. With a little effort and energy a new world will reveal itself – a Responsive Universe….

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

What is the True Meaning of Life?

Sandy Stinson, a good friend of mine, asked a very poignant question recently:

What is the true meaning of life?

That is a tough question to answer! As I try to answer this question I would first like to offer the following quote:

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity answered, — “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived”.

I find this quote to be very profound and it illustrates a challenge we all face in life: Our false-self. The Dalai Lama eloquently outlines suffering which seems intrinsic to our being – born from the ego; this crude but necessary façade that evolves in early childhood is the same vehicle that will cause us unneeded suffering later in life. So it seems the polar opposite of suffering might be our first hint to this quandary. The opposite of suffering is happiness…

Our world appears to operate by money, charisma, and power. All of these vestiges of energy do bring immediate bliss and self-gratification but when such energy is absent, we tend to be unhappy and suffer. Unfortunately, much in life is fleeting including money, friends and yes happiness. Still, happiness can be found in this confusing world. What is vital in our search for satisfaction is defining happiness for ourselves and always determining its source – whether this happiness is genuine to us or whether we have allowed others to define it for us. These are difficult things to ponder, but these mental explorations are what spur our evolution into higher functioning individuals. In my recent publication, the Responsive Universe, I address the three elements that constitute a complete and happy person – body, mind, and True Nature. Faith, health, and mindfulness put us in touch with these elements, allowing us to channel positive energy into our lives and make actions that increase our energy levels and responsiveness. But we have to decide to be positive and responsive individuals. All of that effort, backed by our heart and courage, comes from the power of our minds. Therefore, you alone hold the key to happiness.

Life it seems is a university in learning. We learn from others and we learn from our triumphs and tragedies. So what is the true meaning of life?

To love….

Love is a small four letter word with plenty of hidden meaning. Love brings us into this world and love will carry us forward and beyond. To love is to accept yourself for who you are and not what you are. To love is to give… To love is to find compassion; even for your perceived enemies. To love is know that everything is going to be okay; even amidst conflict and challenge. To love is to be connected to energy and nature and have confidence that you are part of this vast and amazing Responsive Universe. Once love fills your heart it will begin to snuff out the wick of the ego and false-self. The true meaning of life seems difficult to grasp, but once you realize you are an integral facet of this grand Universe of everything the answers will come on the warm wind of mindfulness and self-actualization. Fill your heart and mind with love and the Universe will respond…

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Nothing is Impossible… when living in a Responsive Universe…

Do you believe that? That nothing is impossible?

I have learned through experience that the aperture of your open mind will determine what is possible and impossible. The truth it seems is in the experience; our insight and knowledge is dependent on our link to our True Nature. Even if possibility – a genuine want or desire is created in the mind it is still a dynamism that exists – you are connected to this energy whether it is born from the mind or your surroundings – quantum physics has many great studies on how energy transcends our actions, reactions, thoughts dreams and yes fears. Energy is measured by how mindful you are. Imagine the person that drives home one evening with their mind preoccupied about fear of the future, fantasy and past, not even noticing a beautiful sunset exploding to the west; and then there is the person who is mindful and connected to the present who sees the sunset as a union to something sublime; even a sign or milestone that we are evolving in the right direction – that perhaps we do live in a Responsive Universe…

The Universe is incredibly vast and diverse – every imaginable and unimaginable facet, combination and permutation exists. The quality of infinite space applies to the Cosmos and when we are considered part of this infinite design then it seems anything is possible. The quality of infinity allows for all possibilities to exist – then why would we not have faith that anything is possible?

Ego….

The Ego, a necessary mirage of crude human evolution; when left unchecked it creates fear, anxiety and blindness. Blinding our vast vision; obscuring our True Nature which is in itself infinite. The quality of space exists even for philosophical musings; the more the ego controls our destiny the less space we have inward and outward. When we root our thoughts in the present; sans of fear and fantasy, past and future; we open ourselves to an infinite set of possibilities. When we live in a vast and infinite Responsive Universe we allow all that is good to permeate our being; to make us whole and evolving.

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Why does evolution favor nice people?

For some it may seem like a contradiction to say evolution favors nice people. Based on the principles of Darwinism only the strongest species survive; further only the strongest creatures within a subset of species survive (depending on how you interpret things). Much of this is proven through centuries of biological observation. This driving point works reasonably well with 99.999% of the animal kingdom; except for one species… Humans….

It seems once conscious thought is added to the life form equation it is a completely new world; possibly requiring a completely new science. Called “Cooperation Instinct”, biologist and mathematician, Martin Nowak is a pioneer in this type of forward thinking that tends to go against the grain of thought for evolutionary biologists.  As a practicing Catholic he has driven a wedge into the scientific community. Nowak contends that without cooperation there is no complexity. Nowak states that whenever you see something interesting, like a multicellular creature or human language, cooperation is involved. When you look at the history of humans you do see a struggle with the wars and conflict that separates the weak from the oppressive. Still, cooperation is seen even within ancient civilizations where different tribe or community members would hunt, gather, tend to the children or the defense of a settlement – each working together in the effort to mutually survive and benefit.

Studies show that cooperation has been very important in human evolution; more so than being dominant or the strongest within a community. Cooperation creates an altruistic society dynamic where instead of fighting and dominating we find compassion and cooperation as a catalyst for evolution.

So it seems there may be a fine line between what Darwinism teaches and this newly discovered Responsive Universe we all reside it. And with a closer look, cooperation is not just left to humans. The animal kingdom is full of cooperation from a single cell that multiplies to the construction of cities by humans to the intricate communal attributes of nesting ants. It reminds me of the quandary of gravity verses quantum physics: Two completely different and valid theories describing matter and energy – two theories that exist but do not mesh well. Darwinism and Cooperation may also be two valid theories that exist on parallel fronts but have yet to be fully understood and incorporated into a theory of everything.

So what kind of wisdom can we gain from this message?

We as altruistic humans need to stick up for our values, building from the strengths and energy from within and within our surroundings. Like much in life, Darwinism is not so cut and dry. Being strong does not necessarily mean stomping on the backs of the weak to survive. There is no conscious evolution found there. It seems the strength may be in mindfulness of ego; not reacting blindly or not being a pawn of corporate America. Still, we need to understand that we are all connected – cooperation and compassion it seems may make us stronger and not weaker. Natural selection may very well weed out the weak – those that fight and kill – those that are not connected and helping move humanity forward. The definition of Darwinism and Cooperation may live hand in hand – our strengths coupled with our compassion is the driving factor in evolution.

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com

Article Reference: The Cooperation Instinct by Kristin Ohlson; Discovery Magazine.

Image courtesy of Meship.com

How do you spot an Energy Vortex?

Energy Vortex? What is that?

Depending on how open and mindful you are – especially in nature; you may have noticed special places that exist here on Earth that hold higher levels of spiritual and, or quantum energy. Several notable places exist in Sedona Arizona for example. An energy vortex is a unique place where the quantum energies found here on Earth actually gather in a specific area or region. Mindful humans can sense these energies both in nature and in other humans. James Redfield is famous for writing about such energies in his Celestine book series. Dating back thousands of years, ancient civilizations have built churches and temples on or near these sites: Stonehenge in England, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Uluru-Kataijuta rock in Australia and the Pyramids of Egypt have all been documented as places akin to energy vortexes.

So how do you find these places locally? Well, also called Chakras, these special vortexes exist with varying levels of energy everywhere. Even the natural beauty of a forest, coastline or simply a sunset vista can hold higher levels of energy. On all accounts, it requires some effort from the person trying to connect to such energies. It is critical for a person to be focused in the present: Gone should be thoughts of the past and future which are typically rooted in fear and fantasy. Once our focus is fixed in the present, we can open up to the vast energy that is present in these unique places. I have a hunch that you too have felt this energy in one form or another. In general, we rarely pay attention to energy rushes or the peculiar fervor of a clear, sunny day because of our preoccupations with life. Yet I am sure everyone has had at least one moment where they tasted this kind of acute perception, especially while surrounded by nature.

In Sedona there are several energy vortexes within a 20 square mile radius. Many of the sites are marked by juniper trees whose branches and trunks are twisted and warped as if the energy present at this particular location is swirling – juniper trees at other locations do not represent this phenomenon. Two years ago, while researching my book, I traveled across America visiting places of beauty like Sedona; meditating at noted sites and blogging my experiences. The more mindful and aware you are; the more space and clarity you exhibit; the more connected you will be to these places. I have learned from experience that a sunny day can help accentuate these experiences. Clouds, trees, the ocean; it seems it is all connected in some form or facet. So, the objective is to be aware and you too will find your own prefect paradise in the backyard or somewhere locally. For me, the local forest preserve is where I spend several hours a week meditating and contemplating. There are several spots within this preserve that I am drawn to – it is there I feel centered, clear and connected. It is best to not over think such things; just simply revel in the beauty and energy of it all. Its purpose is simple.. to heal and connect us to the sublime…

So, resolutions aside, maybe make it a point to be a little more aware; especially in nature, and find that perfect meditative paradise you can call your very own church or sanctuary. This is something that can be shared or kept special just for you. Trust me on this… The proof is in the experience!

For more information about energy vortexes and meditating out in nature check out my blog series, Meditating Across America.

John C. Bader

www.responsiveuniverse.com