Day Thirty Two: Freedom in Any Moment

There is a choice we make, day in and day out, moment to moment, which makes all the difference in the quality of life that we experience. That choice is where we will put our attention. Not just the choices we make about what we will think about, but more fundamentally, what is the basic assumption we are making about ourselves at any given time? Are we identifying with our essential nature, the eternal spiritual truth of our being? Or, are we identifying with the physical body and the changing thoughts and feelings that arise in the mind? Simply put, do we think of ourselves as a physical being that has a soul or know that we are the soul expressing through the physical body?

A simple shift in identification from being caught up in mental conditioning to resting in the unchanging Self changes our perception and opens the door to the true freedom and joy of spiritually conscious living. The great goal of yoga is the liberation of consciousness that brings true knowledge and freedom from suffering. It begins with this turning of attention and awareness to abide in the Self. Taking a step toward liberation is turning attention and awareness to that which we are. It is remembering that which we know to be true.

While meditation and self inquiry are the primary tools for transforming the way we see ourselves and experience the world, this first step can be supported through awareness and intention. We can observe our prevailing mental tendency and notice how it colors our perceptions and experiences. And we can, through intention, shift our awareness to rest in that which is ultimately true about us. This is the way to discover freedom in any moment.

Think About It: The body is mortal but within it dwells the immortal Self. This Self, when associated in our consciousness with the body, is subject to pleasure and pain; and so long as this association continues, freedom from pleasure and pain cannot be found.
–Chandogya Upanishad 8.12.1

Be Inspired: In our original true being, we are divine Consciousness. That divine Consciousness is the reality of our being, and any limitation or discord, any sin or disease is no part of our consciousness, but is a superimposed picture.
– Joel Goldsmith