The Walk
(From Leonard’s second book, Embracing the Present)
A man went for a walk one day. As he walked, he became aware that he was feeling lost and alone. Rather than push the feelings away, he allowed them to be present with him. “I’m lost. I am all alone,” he cried to himself. A deep sadness arose within him.
Suddenly a voice arose from a deeper level. “If you are lost, then where are you?” It was the voice of his Being. It was the voice of truth.
The man paused to consider the question. “If I am lost, then where am I?” he asked aloud. He sat down and as much as possible, he became present with his feelings.
“I am lost. I am all alone!” he repeated several times.
Once again the voice of his Being gently challenged him. ‘You say you are lost. Then where are you?”
The man tried to see where he was. Suddenly, it became clear to him.
“I am lost in my mind!” he cried.
It was so simple. He was lost in his mind. He was lost somewhere in his remembered past. Or somewhere in his imagined future. One thing was clear. He was not here now. He closed his eyes and became very still. He became very aware of his body and his breath. He became very aware of the sounds around him. He could feel the soft caress of the breeze upon his face. He became silent. He began to feel very present. The feeling of being lost and alone disappeared. He paused for a few moments in silent gratitude. He opened his eyes and his heart exploded with joy as a bird soared into the sky.
Posted in Teachings | 3 Comments » |
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May 25th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Hi Leonard,
Beset by emotional currents of which I set into motion in the past, I’m struggling in my mind to be okay with the still point. No struggle….nothing gained nothing lost. This feels like dying and giving up instead of being pro-active and taking actions of responsiblity and love. I’m willing to be guided in this endeavor. My mind is practicing this. Feels like I’m resisting. I see a deeper healing happening.
Is the way here; to let the feeling of this smaller emotional death sweep over me with trust and focus?
With love, Joy
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Hello
This post was awesome. I think that there is much truth in the present moment. We all get lost in our minds sometimes, when we are silent we can hear the inner wisdom that allows things to just be.
August 26th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Fantastic post. Thanks for that map that is so available to me but sometimes I forget that I have it in my back pocket. There is no way I can get lost now in the jungle of my mind. And when this happens ocasionally being the remedial human that I am, I have you to thank dear Leonard for the precious map that can bring me instantly back into the Present moment. My gratitude is immense. Thank You
With Love, and In Presence,
Zafiris