Cell Level Meditation
Highlights
Chapter 7. Falling? Dive!
I can tell you that wherever I have encountered evil, there has been a profound disconnect…like a disembodied mind that was not aware of its interconnectedness and interdependence with others. So, if you deal with cells that have no interest in being in relationship with other cells, you may need to restrain them and help the body activate ways to keep them from hurting the others, including moving them right on out of the body, or retraining them to be helpful (like the bacteria in the gut that helps digest your food, but is not allowed to get in the blood and wreak havoc). How you deal with such a deep question reveals the depths and proclivities of your own nature, your own special genius, as well as a way you are learning from, adapting to and adjusting through your own experience.
Chapter 6. Not Knowing & Knowing Too Much
“A hidden connection is stronger than an apparent one.”~Heraclites, philosopher (535–475 BC)
Chapter 6. Not Knowing & Knowing Too Much
“Every event has in it the nature of a surprise, a miracle or something you could not figure out.”~JR Oppenheimer, nuclear physicist (1904–1967)
Chapter 6. Not Knowing & Knowing Too Much
When you begin to meditate, you don’t know what will come toward you. You don’t have to know. In fact, it’s probably what you don’t know that has the greatest power and holds the greatest potential for your true healing.
Chapter 6. Not Knowing & Knowing Too Much
Remember the analogy of shining the flashlight in the dark room? Your intention shines that flashlight, but what steps into the beam of light, coming out of the darkness, is often quite a big surprise.
Chapter 6. Not Knowing & Knowing Too Much
Being able to stay open to “not having to know everything” is such a liberating gift.
Chapter 6. Not Knowing & Knowing Too Much
Don’t worry, though, your mind will probably pop up over and over, trying to take charge, asking things like, “Why?” Many people I’ve worked with have done a lot of therapy and have all kinds of insights into their past. This is good. One thing that can get in the way, however, is jumping too quickly to a decision, “Oh, I’ve already seen this, and this is why this is happening to me.”
Chapter 6. Not Knowing & Knowing Too Much
One woman who worked with me came up with a great line to help herself when she noticed this happening: “Uh, oh! The ‘whys’ got me again.” And then she’d go back to the silence, the experience of the body and the breath. And remember, you can help your mind stay curious by helping it ask better questions, like, “Where is that going on in the body?”
Elephant Wondering
Sometimes you think you’re going to heal something. You begin to breathe, and the breath takes you down a totally unexpected trail, opening doors, liberating cramped and musty ideas for a deeper healing in body and mind than you ever thought possible. Or, continuing with the flashlight analogy, monsters, vampires, and three-year-olds with sad faces step into the spotlight. You just never know what’s going to show up. This can be a little scary!
Elephant Wondering
I realize it’s not that I do, in fact, know too much, I just think I know too much. The great sages would point out that you can’t put more water in a glass that’s full. Somehow, when I “think I know,” I’m not able to be receptive and open. I’m not available for something new or different or more nuanced to come to me because my “know-it-all” self has closed the door. I’m certainly not as alert or curious, and I don’t seem to get as far or as deep in my meditations.
Elephant Wondering
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.”~Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Buddhist monk (1904–1971)
Elephant Wondering
Because of the experiences I’ve had of being surprised and delighted when this quality of “know-it-all” has gotten out of the way, I have been able to cultivate more trust that what needs to come forth will.
Elephant Wondering
over the years, I have come to trust the “I don’t know” place as a doorway into the unsuspected breakthrough, a miracle waiting to happen! Don’t worry! We still have our rootedness in what we “know as good.” We are not throwing everything out, but we are being open to something even more wonderful coming forth.
Elephant Wondering
We often speak of people who have this irritating habit, as “closeminded,” no? In my case I have had to temper certain kinds of “objective,” “scientific” information with a sense of wonder and awe about the incredible capabilities of the body. I have witnessed these capabilities, which often seem miraculous. Bring science and mystery together
Elephant Wondering
cultivate “not knowing” and childlike curiosity—simply wonder—and let the softness of your gaze open up. Don’t ruin the Mystery! And—be prepared for delightful surprises!Having said this, understanding the “mechanics” of how something works can also be quite exhilarating. Biologists and quantum physicists are discovering all kinds of new information.