The Awareness Plant

Reprint from Sedona Times Newspaper , October 29th 2009, originally written in October 1999

There is really no intellect involved in structuring this statement. The illuminating reason for this discussion stems from the total belief in impermanence. It forms a solid foundation for building inner tranquility.

When we are young and our thoughts are just a seed, we remain in a state of care-free oblivion. We don’t even feel the need to germinate. But, as time walks forward, the saplings reach upward. The more they reach upward, the deeper the roots gain grip of the deep earth beneath.

Therefore, awareness grows bidirectionally- and this is how the buds of realization begin.

The plant of self-realization follows an individually random growth pattern. It may take months, years or a lifetime to blossom into the petals of wisdom. Many variables are involved in this self-evolutionary process. Some variables can be controlled such as our ability as human beings to learn, adapt, rationalize, make conscious decisions, evaluate and analyze. These remarkable innate forces enable our species to maintain internal homeostasis under enormous emotional, physical and spiritual challenges.

Slowly, over time, we develop the ability to bend destiny and fate. Yes, it can be done, and don’t let the critics tell you otherwise.

We all make mistakes, we are not perfect and we are certainly not completely ever sane. But with time, we learn to categorize and classify our mistakes. We learn to transform negative experiences into positive feelings and elevate our ‘self’ by setting new standards of belief, by letting in change. We take practical steps by evaluating the situation at hand and letting our inner voice become our strongest guide. It’s a constant evolution- no one ever said it would be easy. Instead of letting our emotions run haywire, we are now able to mold our actions and show them a productive and constructive path.

We are the custodians of our emotions, our reactions and decisions. Only we can ‘tame’ ourselves. One untamed human being devoid of a conscience can wreak havoc on millions.

We must strive to evolve.

Wisdom brings change.

Acceptance of the inevitable is one such change. Dealing with loss, sorrow, illness, pain, poverty and daily life events in a positive manner is another whisper of wisdom.

When dealing with life-threatening or life altering situations, we are now able to deal with it- something which we were unable to do before.

We now view life as a natural progression of events with impermanent consequences. Death is the only permanent fact, or is it?

I have noticed these subtle changes. The slow metamorphosis. I don’t fight it anymore, or deny impermanence. I accept it. Perhaps now I am the plant, reaching upward, up into the sky where my true home lies. I am growing outwardly and inwardly. Without self-realization we will perish in the fires of confusion, ignorance and enter into the viscous cycle of regression.

We must never allow ourselves to regress. Whatever the obstacle, the handicap, or the level of difficulty, we must never allow ourselves to fall into the static trap of self-pity. Life is precious because it is fragile.

If we allow ourselves to remain in a loop of unchangeability, we will definitely shrivel and wither away. The roots will dry out, the stems will weaken, the blooming will never occur.

As soon as you start feeling the inner universe vibrating; tune in, listen, release yourself from all worldly preoccupations and let the leaves soak in the buds of wisdom. Don’t fight the change, rather welcome it. At first it might seem that you are entering a new realm, an unknown dimension, it might seem apocalyptic;but in actuality it is the opposite. It is peace trying to sustain your conscience and your unconscious world. Embrace the change humbly for true wisdom is remarkably humble. We cannot be wise unless we are tolerant to change.

Suddenly, I feel that this life has shrunken and fits neatly into the palm of my hand. The inner eye is now open. The flower blooms and the petals disperse themselves into the air like wisps of incandescent joy.

Birth, death, death-birth, after-life, all beautifully impermanent.

Why spend our days living in a spiritual drought when we can spend it watering the plant of self-awareness.

Why let this plant die and wither away only because we are bound by ego, consumed by negativity, or chained to conventional thinking?

Nothing is permanent- this is what makes life, this moment, this magnanimous second so precious.

Oh…..I can see it……the plant is now about to bloom.

Author of Soul-Fire A Mystical Journey through Poetry