The Living Universe - Duane Elgin [75]
Opening to Our Invisible Self (see Chapter 1)
The known universe is almost entirely invisible and is comprised of two unseen forces—one pushing the universe outward in expansion and another pulling the universe inward in contraction. If the overwhelming majority of the universe is invisible, then how much of ourselves is invisible as well? If we participate in an ecology of consciousness, how far does our aliveness reach? We are giants in the material scale of things and we are colossal when we include the non-material scope of our being. When we relax into our direct experience, we are opening into a field of aliveness that is boundless. Every situation provides an opportunity to explore this invisible aspect of life and to make friends with your “self” as both a biological and cosmological being.
Looking into Space (see Chapter 2)
We tend to take space for granted and focus on the material objects in life. Instead of looking through space, we can look into space and see the aliveness of the universe. Space is not a pre-existing emptiness but a dynamically constructed transparency. Space is filled with energy, activity, and geometry. The fabric of space-time is being continuously created anew. Look for the subtle, dancing alive-ness of that process. With soft eyes and a relaxed awareness, open to the energy and dynamism that shimmers within the fabric of living space. This is a wonderful meditation to practice when you can sit quietly, look out into an open space and receive its presence.
Cultivating Reflective Consciousness (see Chapter 7)
The first step in awakening is to develop our capacity for paying attention to ourselves as we move through life. Instead of running on automatic, we can gently notice ourselves in the mirror of consciousness as we go through the world. We can cultivate a witnessing consciousness as we move through the day. From our bodily sensations and emotional responses to our ever-changing thoughts—all are suitable for reflection in the mirror of consciousness. Without any need for change, our only task is simply to observe ourselves moving through life. This requires that we make friends with ourselves and become comfortable with our self-presence. In this process we are also making friends with, and relaxing into, the living universe. Each spiritual tradition has its unique vehicle for awakening to life by cultivating a reflective consciousness; among these are meditation, contemplation, prayer, chanting, yoga, and more. It is important to discover the approach that fits your life and to make a commitment to cultivating a reflective consciousness.
Opening to Oceanic Consciousness (see Chapter 7)
We all exist within the same ocean of aliveness and, with heartfelt attention and openness, we can become permeable to the subtle presence of this larger ecology of life. As the polarity of “knower and known” merge into a unified awareness, we enter the infusing ecology of conscious aliveness that is the living universe. A precise and calm attention is required to sustain this centered experience of subtle communion. In experiencing ourselves as part of a much larger field of life, the well-being of all life becomes a compelling concern. A powerful meditation is to practice opening to the direct experience of the field of life. It is to be awake without judgment and from a place of stillness and centeredness. Include all faculties for wordless sensing and knowing. Celebrate glimpses. Communion is priceless.
Practicing Flow Consciousness and