Life Lessons from the River

by: Mark Susnow

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a formula if followed would be the answer to all of your problems and concerns. We are all intrigued by books that promise us a better life. And many of us are looking for the secrets of the ages that promise us enlightenment.

I know that was my quest at one time in my life. In the seventies I had very few responsibilities and was a student of Transcendental Meditation. The pursuit of enlightenment was the carrot I was searching for. Today with a family, career and other responsibilities I no longer think about enlightenment. I do think about being a more fulfilled person and becoming fully engaged with life. It is an exciting journey that is full of surprises and mystery.

I never thought I would be embracing the internet as I do. It has enabled me to be in contact with people from all over the world. For the last five years I have had the privilege of being a guide for many fellow travelers along the river of life.

I know that I make frequent references to the river of life. When I was 12 years old my Uncle Sam took me on a week long river rafting trip sponsored by the Sierra Club on the Green River in Colorado. I remember it like it was yesterday. We flew from San Francisco to Boise and then caught a little six seater plane that flew over the mountains and landed in a town near our campsite. Already an adventure for a 12 year old we drove to the river. On the second day of the trip I was swimming along the side of the raft when I noticed the raft getting ahead of me and I heard the yells: “Get in the boat.” But it was too late…As I swam toward the boat against the current I became tired. And then I heard the yells: “Stay in the center.” I was propelled through the rapids right behind the boat. And as the water became calm I was able to relax for a second. And then I noticed that the boat was still ahead of me and the next series of rapids was approaching. My uncle extended an oar to me and I was able to grab it and be pulled onto the boat. My exciting adventure was over and I had a lot to talk about the rest of the trip.

“The river” has a current all its own that is constantly changing. As we learn to navigate and embrace these changes our life becomes more fulfilling and exciting. But if we resist theses changes that are going to occur anyway because that’s the nature of rivers, we will struggle and when we struggle we usually don’t make very good decisions.

Sometimes that struggle occurs when we are overwhelmed by all of the demands of our life. And at other times it occurs because our lives are hopelessly out of balance. Others experience struggle and despair because of all of the suffering in the world.

At some level we might feel that something is fundamentally missing. Whatever our life challenges are we want more from life than what we are currently experiencing.

Our quest is to satisfy that longing. It is dancing on the edge between our current reality and the life we want that presents the challenge and opportunity.

Let the river be our teacher in this adventure called life. Let it teach us what is necessary to navigate these waters and to make the journey fulfilling, adventurous and meaningful.

1. Find and live from your center. That was the message from the Green River. When you are centered and connected to your inner most being you are connected with the source of everything. I felt the safest and most secure when I was in the center of the river and the water could flow effortlessly. Meditation enables me to connect with that center every day.

2. Get out of your comfort zone. I could have stayed in the boat and played it safe but I was curious and adventurous. My comfort zone for me was my law practice and as a result my life for many years was on hold. Getting in the current and flow of life involves risk but that is what you need to so sometimes. Relationships also involve risk…. getting in them and getting out of them.

3. Learn to let go of resistance. Resistance is a struggle and makes you tired. At first I resisted the current of the river and tried to swim back to the boat. But I became tired from the struggle. Then I let go and stayed in the center and enjoyed the adventure. When you allow yourself to flow with what is, there will be a synchronicity in your life that seems magical.

4. Be prepared. I wore a life preserver on the river. When you are prepared you can relax and enjoy life more. Preparation involves taking care of your mind and body. It involves eating well and exercising. It involves being informed and being curious. It also involves working on yourself. As you expand who you are, your sense of what is possible in your life also expands.

5. Trust others and work together. You can’t do it alone and why would you want to. When you are open and willing to receive you can create a synergy in your life that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. When the oar is extended accept it.

6. Develop the practice of gratitude. I was grateful for that oar. I was grateful that I got to experience the river. And I am grateful for my life. We all have a lot to be grateful for. By expressing gratitude for some of the inner qualities that are most important to us such as the ability to love, to smile and to connect with each other we expand our ability to attract to us these qualities.

7. The River of Life is a great mystery. I am becoming increasingly more comfortable with not knowing the next step. And when it comes I enjoy taking it. The river is unpredictable and you can’t figure it out. Whether the water is still or raging it is still the same water. You have to just flow with it and enjoy the adventure.

With each passing year I am blessed to share the journey with many new like minded travelers. Thank you for reading Letters on Life and expanding our circle by forwarding this letter to those in your circle. The internet has been instrumental in connecting us with other like minded people all over the world. Letters on Life is now translated into three languages and last month people from 65 countries visited InspirePossibility.com. By the way when is your next river rafting trip?

Robert Recommends...

• Transcendental Meditation and We


• What is Transcendental Meditation?


• “The Secret” of Personal Change


• Change The World By Changing Yourself


• The Language of the Soul


• How to be Happy and Stay Happy

The post Life Lessons from the River appeared first on Robert JR Graham.

What is Transcendental Meditation?

Transcendental Meditation: A Hindu-based Movement Linked to New Age Philosophy

Transcendental Meditation is a Hindu-based movement that finds popularity in the United States. Other offshoots of Hinduism increasing in attention due to the New Age philosophy are the Vendata Society, Self-realization Fellowship, Theosophy, Ecknakar, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Hare Krishna). Western “sects” based on Hindu concepts have also grown in recent years, including Christian Science, the United Church of Christ, and the Unity School of Christianity.

Transcendental Meditation: The Roots of Hinduism

In order to understand Transcendental Meditation and other extensions of Hindu philosophy, it’s important to investigate the foundation of Hinduism itself. Hinduism began in India around 1500 and 2500 B.C. It is the world’s oldest organized religion. Hinduism is a massive and eccentric group of divisions founded on more than 2000 years of diverse philosophical and religious writings. Included are the Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, Puranas, and Upanishads. Adherents of Hinduism differ in belief systems, with no dominant doctrine or overarching truth. Hinduism has its background in ancient paganism, in which nature, animals, and humanity are represented by various gods and goddesses.

Although Hindus believe in many gods, they believe in Brahman as the one definitive, impersonal, spiritual actuality over all existence. Sectarian Hinduism personalizes Brahman as the following separate and distinct entities: “Brahma” (the Creator; the god with four heads representing creative energy), “Vishnu” (the Preserver; the god of stability and control), and “Shiva” (the Destroyer; the god of endings). Most Hindus also worship “Krishna” and “Rama,” two of Vishnu’s ten incarnations. Actually, it gets very complex, as Hindus claim the existence of millions of gods. Throughout the year, Hindus worship a variety of regional, family and individual gods. Hindus also focus a great deal on astrology and the spirit world.

Transcendental Meditation: The Diversity of Hinduism

Krishna & Balarama (Photo credit: sreeji..)

Transcendental Meditation is just one example of the wide variety of Hindu worship, integrating diverse symbols, offerings, fasting, and dance. On a daily basis, most Hindus worship an image of their chosen deity, with chants (mantras), flowers, and incense. Worship, whether in a home or temple, is primarily individualistic rather than congregational. Hinduism is typically separated into two divisions. The first, “popular Hinduism” is articulated by worshipping gods, making offerings, ritualistic practices, and prayers. The second, “philosophical Hinduism” is comprised of a multifaceted system of meditation, yoga practices, and the study of early philosophical writings. Traditional Hindu movements include the Ramkrishna Mission and Vedanta Societies, Sri Aurobindo Society, Satya Sai Baba Movement, Self Realization Fellowship, and International Sivananda Yoga Society. Recent estimates state that there are roughly 850 million Hindus in the world today. Of these, approximately 780 million live in India, 20 million in Bangladesh, 20 million in Indonesia, 20 million in Nepal, 3 million in Sri Lanka, 2 million in Pakistan and 1.5 million in the United States. In addition, it is estimated that Hindus comprise approximately 20% of the following populations: Mauritius, Fiji, Surinam, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.

Transcendental Meditation: An Endless Life Cycle

Hinduism rejects the biblical account of divine Creation and instead accept forms of pantheism. Hindus believe that only Brahman exists, and all else is illusion (maya), including all creation. According to Hinduism, there is no start or finish of creation, only continuing successions of life and death. The soul (atman) of man is a “spark” of Brahman trapped in the physical body. Repeated lives or reincarnations (samsara) are required before the soul can be liberated (moksha) from the body. An individual’s present life is determined by his efforts in previous lives (the law of karma), and the physical body is ultimately an illusion (maya). Bodies are usually cremated, and the soul goes to an intermediate state of punishment or reward before rebirth into another body. Reincarnations are experienced until karma has been removed and the individual soul is reabsorbed into Brahman. Freedom from infinite being and final self-realization of the truth (moksha) is the goal of existence. Yoga and meditation (especially raja-yoga) taught by a religious teacher (guru) is one way to attain moksha. The other paths for moksha are the way of works (karma marga), the way of knowledge (jnana marga), and the way of love and devotion (bhakti marga). Hinduism‘s fundamental goal is to escape the cycle of reincarnation, and thereby to erase the illusion of personal existence – eventually becoming one with Brahman.

Source

Related articles

• Debates on the pages of The Hindu


• Hindus mark monk’s 150th birthday


• Hindu Center To Be Consecrated In Central Florida Next Fall


• Legal fight over calming technique lacks harmony


• The Benefits of Meditation


• Yet Another Look At The Transcendental Meditation Paper


• Ascension as Sahaja Samadhi – Part 4/4


• Alan Watts – Reincarnation (Buddhism, Hinduism, Concepts, Beliefs, Experience, Self, No-Self, Atman, Anatman, Rebirth, Nirvana, The Ultimate Goal)


• Meditation Health Benefits – Harness the Soothing Power of Meditation


• Just say “Om!” Is meditation right for you?

Robert Recommends...

• To Dream of a Better World


• Happiness Through Action


• Origins of Religious Belief Systems


• Transcendental Meditation and We


• Expand Your Religious Beliefs


• Who is Osho?

The post What is Transcendental Meditation? appeared first on Robert JR Graham.

Life Lessons from the River

by: Mark Susnow

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a formula if followed would be the answer to all of your problems and concerns. We are all intrigued by books that promise us a better life. And many of us are looking for the secrets of the ages that promise us enlightenment.

I know that was my quest at one time in my life. In the seventies I had very few responsibilities and was a student of Transcendental Meditation. The pursuit of enlightenment was the carrot I was searching for. Today with a family, career and other responsibilities I no longer think about enlightenment. I do think about being a more fulfilled person and becoming fully engaged with life. It is an exciting journey that is full of surprises and mystery.

I never thought I would be embracing the internet as I do. It has enabled me to be in contact with people from all over the world. For the last five years I have had the privilege of being a guide for many fellow travelers along the river of life.

I know that I make frequent references to the river of life. When I was 12 years old my Uncle Sam took me on a week long river rafting trip sponsored by the Sierra Club on the Green River in Colorado. I remember it like it was yesterday. We flew from San Francisco to Boise and then caught a little six seater plane that flew over the mountains and landed in a town near our campsite. Already an adventure for a 12 year old we drove to the river. On the second day of the trip I was swimming along the side of the raft when I noticed the raft getting ahead of me and I heard the yells: “Get in the boat.” But it was too late…As I swam toward the boat against the current I became tired. And then I heard the yells: “Stay in the center.” I was propelled through the rapids right behind the boat. And as the water became calm I was able to relax for a second. And then I noticed that the boat was still ahead of me and the next series of rapids was approaching. My uncle extended an oar to me and I was able to grab it and be pulled onto the boat. My exciting adventure was over and I had a lot to talk about the rest of the trip.

“The river” has a current all its own that is constantly changing. As we learn to navigate and embrace these changes our life becomes more fulfilling and exciting. But if we resist theses changes that are going to occur anyway because that’s the nature of rivers, we will struggle and when we struggle we usually don’t make very good decisions.

Sometimes that struggle occurs when we are overwhelmed by all of the demands of our life. And at other times it occurs because our lives are hopelessly out of balance. Others experience struggle and despair because of all of the suffering in the world.

At some level we might feel that something is fundamentally missing. Whatever our life challenges are we want more from life than what we are currently experiencing.

Our quest is to satisfy that longing. It is dancing on the edge between our current reality and the life we want that presents the challenge and opportunity.

Let the river be our teacher in this adventure called life. Let it teach us what is necessary to navigate these waters and to make the journey fulfilling, adventurous and meaningful.

1. Find and live from your center. That was the message from the Green River. When you are centered and connected to your inner most being you are connected with the source of everything. I felt the safest and most secure when I was in the center of the river and the water could flow effortlessly. Meditation enables me to connect with that center every day.

2. Get out of your comfort zone. I could have stayed in the boat and played it safe but I was curious and adventurous. My comfort zone for me was my law practice and as a result my life for many years was on hold. Getting in the current and flow of life involves risk but that is what you need to so sometimes. Relationships also involve risk…. getting in them and getting out of them.

3. Learn to let go of resistance. Resistance is a struggle and makes you tired. At first I resisted the current of the river and tried to swim back to the boat. But I became tired from the struggle. Then I let go and stayed in the center and enjoyed the adventure. When you allow yourself to flow with what is, there will be a synchronicity in your life that seems magical.

4. Be prepared. I wore a life preserver on the river. When you are prepared you can relax and enjoy life more. Preparation involves taking care of your mind and body. It involves eating well and exercising. It involves being informed and being curious. It also involves working on yourself. As you expand who you are, your sense of what is possible in your life also expands.

5. Trust others and work together. You can’t do it alone and why would you want to. When you are open and willing to receive you can create a synergy in your life that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. When the oar is extended accept it.

6. Develop the practice of gratitude. I was grateful for that oar. I was grateful that I got to experience the river. And I am grateful for my life. We all have a lot to be grateful for. By expressing gratitude for some of the inner qualities that are most important to us such as the ability to love, to smile and to connect with each other we expand our ability to attract to us these qualities.

7. The River of Life is a great mystery. I am becoming increasingly more comfortable with not knowing the next step. And when it comes I enjoy taking it. The river is unpredictable and you can’t figure it out. Whether the water is still or raging it is still the same water. You have to just flow with it and enjoy the adventure.

With each passing year I am blessed to share the journey with many new like minded travelers. Thank you for reading Letters on Life and expanding our circle by forwarding this letter to those in your circle. The internet has been instrumental in connecting us with other like minded people all over the world. Letters on Life is now translated into three languages and last month people from 65 countries visited InspirePossibility.com. By the way when is your next river rafting trip?

What is Transcendental Meditation?

Transcendental Meditation: A Hindu-based Movement Linked to New Age Philosophy

Transcendental Meditation is a Hindu-based movement that finds popularity in the United States. Other offshoots of Hinduism increasing in attention due to the New Age philosophy are the Vendata Society, Self-realization Fellowship, Theosophy, Ecknakar, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Hare Krishna). Western “sects” based on Hindu concepts have also grown in recent years, including Christian Science, the United Church of Christ, and the Unity School of Christianity.

Transcendental Meditation: The Roots of Hinduism

In order to understand Transcendental Meditation and other extensions of Hindu philosophy, it’s important to investigate the foundation of Hinduism itself. Hinduism began in India around 1500 and 2500 B.C. It is the world’s oldest organized religion. Hinduism is a massive and eccentric group of divisions founded on more than 2000 years of diverse philosophical and religious writings. Included are the Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, Puranas, and Upanishads. Adherents of Hinduism differ in belief systems, with no dominant doctrine or overarching truth. Hinduism has its background in ancient paganism, in which nature, animals, and humanity are represented by various gods and goddesses.

Although Hindus believe in many gods, they believe in Brahman as the one definitive, impersonal, spiritual actuality over all existence. Sectarian Hinduism personalizes Brahman as the following separate and distinct entities: “Brahma” (the Creator; the god with four heads representing creative energy), “Vishnu” (the Preserver; the god of stability and control), and “Shiva” (the Destroyer; the god of endings). Most Hindus also worship “Krishna” and “Rama,” two of Vishnu’s ten incarnations. Actually, it gets very complex, as Hindus claim the existence of millions of gods. Throughout the year, Hindus worship a variety of regional, family and individual gods. Hindus also focus a great deal on astrology and the spirit world.

Transcendental Meditation: The Diversity of Hinduism

Krishna & Balarama (Photo credit: sreeji..)

Transcendental Meditation is just one example of the wide variety of Hindu worship, integrating diverse symbols, offerings, fasting, and dance. On a daily basis, most Hindus worship an image of their chosen deity, with chants (mantras), flowers, and incense. Worship, whether in a home or temple, is primarily individualistic rather than congregational. Hinduism is typically separated into two divisions. The first, “popular Hinduism” is articulated by worshipping gods, making offerings, ritualistic practices, and prayers. The second, “philosophical Hinduism” is comprised of a multifaceted system of meditation, yoga practices, and the study of early philosophical writings. Traditional Hindu movements include the Ramkrishna Mission and Vedanta Societies, Sri Aurobindo Society, Satya Sai Baba Movement, Self Realization Fellowship, and International Sivananda Yoga Society. Recent estimates state that there are roughly 850 million Hindus in the world today. Of these, approximately 780 million live in India, 20 million in Bangladesh, 20 million in Indonesia, 20 million in Nepal, 3 million in Sri Lanka, 2 million in Pakistan and 1.5 million in the United States. In addition, it is estimated that Hindus comprise approximately 20% of the following populations: Mauritius, Fiji, Surinam, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.

Transcendental Meditation: An Endless Life Cycle

Hinduism rejects the biblical account of divine Creation and instead accept forms of pantheism. Hindus believe that only Brahman exists, and all else is illusion (maya), including all creation. According to Hinduism, there is no start or finish of creation, only continuing successions of life and death. The soul (atman) of man is a “spark” of Brahman trapped in the physical body. Repeated lives or reincarnations (samsara) are required before the soul can be liberated (moksha) from the body. An individual’s present life is determined by his efforts in previous lives (the law of karma), and the physical body is ultimately an illusion (maya). Bodies are usually cremated, and the soul goes to an intermediate state of punishment or reward before rebirth into another body. Reincarnations are experienced until karma has been removed and the individual soul is reabsorbed into Brahman. Freedom from infinite being and final self-realization of the truth (moksha) is the goal of existence. Yoga and meditation (especially raja-yoga) taught by a religious teacher (guru) is one way to attain moksha. The other paths for moksha are the way of works (karma marga), the way of knowledge (jnana marga), and the way of love and devotion (bhakti marga). Hinduism‘s fundamental goal is to escape the cycle of reincarnation, and thereby to erase the illusion of personal existence – eventually becoming one with Brahman.

Source

Related articles

• Debates on the pages of The Hindu


• Hindus mark monk’s 150th birthday


• Hindu Center To Be Consecrated In Central Florida Next Fall


• Legal fight over calming technique lacks harmony


• The Benefits of Meditation


• Yet Another Look At The Transcendental Meditation Paper


• Ascension as Sahaja Samadhi – Part 4/4


• Alan Watts – Reincarnation (Buddhism, Hinduism, Concepts, Beliefs, Experience, Self, No-Self, Atman, Anatman, Rebirth, Nirvana, The Ultimate Goal)


• Meditation Health Benefits – Harness the Soothing Power of Meditation


• Just say “Om!” Is meditation right for you?

Robert Recommends...

• To Dream of a Better World


• Happiness Through Action


• Origins of Religious Belief Systems


• Transcendental Meditation and We


• Expand Your Religious Beliefs


• The One Concept That Saves The World

Life Lessons from the River

by: Mark Susnow

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a formula if followed would be the answer to all of your problems and concerns. We are all intrigued by books that promise us a better life. And many of us are looking for the secrets of the ages that promise us enlightenment.

I know that was my quest at one time in my life. In the seventies I had very few responsibilities and was a student of Transcendental Meditation. The pursuit of enlightenment was the carrot I was searching for. Today with a family, career and other responsibilities I no longer think about enlightenment. I do think about being a more fulfilled person and becoming fully engaged with life. It is an exciting journey that is full of surprises and mystery.

I never thought I would be embracing the internet as I do. It has enabled me to be in contact with people from all over the world. For the last five years I have had the privilege of being a guide for many fellow travelers along the river of life.

I know that I make frequent references to the river of life. When I was 12 years old my Uncle Sam took me on a week long river rafting trip sponsored by the Sierra Club on the Green River in Colorado. I remember it like it was yesterday. We flew from San Francisco to Boise and then caught a little six seater plane that flew over the mountains and landed in a town near our campsite. Already an adventure for a 12 year old we drove to the river. On the second day of the trip I was swimming along the side of the raft when I noticed the raft getting ahead of me and I heard the yells: “Get in the boat.” But it was too late…As I swam toward the boat against the current I became tired. And then I heard the yells: “Stay in the center.” I was propelled through the rapids right behind the boat. And as the water became calm I was able to relax for a second. And then I noticed that the boat was still ahead of me and the next series of rapids was approaching. My uncle extended an oar to me and I was able to grab it and be pulled onto the boat. My exciting adventure was over and I had a lot to talk about the rest of the trip.

“The river” has a current all its own that is constantly changing. As we learn to navigate and embrace these changes our life becomes more fulfilling and exciting. But if we resist theses changes that are going to occur anyway because that’s the nature of rivers, we will struggle and when we struggle we usually don’t make very good decisions.

Sometimes that struggle occurs when we are overwhelmed by all of the demands of our life. And at other times it occurs because our lives are hopelessly out of balance. Others experience struggle and despair because of all of the suffering in the world.

At some level we might feel that something is fundamentally missing. Whatever our life challenges are we want more from life than what we are currently experiencing.

Our quest is to satisfy that longing. It is dancing on the edge between our current reality and the life we want that presents the challenge and opportunity.

Let the river be our teacher in this adventure called life. Let it teach us what is necessary to navigate these waters and to make the journey fulfilling, adventurous and meaningful.

1. Find and live from your center. That was the message from the Green River. When you are centered and connected to your inner most being you are connected with the source of everything. I felt the safest and most secure when I was in the center of the river and the water could flow effortlessly. Meditation enables me to connect with that center every day.

2. Get out of your comfort zone. I could have stayed in the boat and played it safe but I was curious and adventurous. My comfort zone for me was my law practice and as a result my life for many years was on hold. Getting in the current and flow of life involves risk but that is what you need to so sometimes. Relationships also involve risk…. getting in them and getting out of them.

3. Learn to let go of resistance. Resistance is a struggle and makes you tired. At first I resisted the current of the river and tried to swim back to the boat. But I became tired from the struggle. Then I let go and stayed in the center and enjoyed the adventure. When you allow yourself to flow with what is, there will be a synchronicity in your life that seems magical.

4. Be prepared. I wore a life preserver on the river. When you are prepared you can relax and enjoy life more. Preparation involves taking care of your mind and body. It involves eating well and exercising. It involves being informed and being curious. It also involves working on yourself. As you expand who you are, your sense of what is possible in your life also expands.

5. Trust others and work together. You can’t do it alone and why would you want to. When you are open and willing to receive you can create a synergy in your life that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. When the oar is extended accept it.

6. Develop the practice of gratitude. I was grateful for that oar. I was grateful that I got to experience the river. And I am grateful for my life. We all have a lot to be grateful for. By expressing gratitude for some of the inner qualities that are most important to us such as the ability to love, to smile and to connect with each other we expand our ability to attract to us these qualities.

7. The River of Life is a great mystery. I am becoming increasingly more comfortable with not knowing the next step. And when it comes I enjoy taking it. The river is unpredictable and you can’t figure it out. Whether the water is still or raging it is still the same water. You have to just flow with it and enjoy the adventure.

With each passing year I am blessed to share the journey with many new like minded travelers. Thank you for reading Letters on Life and expanding our circle by forwarding this letter to those in your circle. The internet has been instrumental in connecting us with other like minded people all over the world. Letters on Life is now translated into three languages and last month people from 65 countries visited InspirePossibility.com. By the way when is your next river rafting trip?

Robert Recommends...

• Transcendental Meditation and We


• What is Transcendental Meditation?


• “The Secret” of Personal Change


• Change The World By Changing Yourself


• The Language of the Soul


• How to be Happy and Stay Happy

The post Life Lessons from the River appeared first on Robert JR Graham.