The Living Universe - Duane Elgin [76]
As we become familiar with the subtle ocean of aliveness, we find that it is not still but forever flowing into existence. In letting go of the witnessing self, we experience reality surfing as we ride the wave of the ever-arising universe. When our movement through life as free beings is in harmony with the flow of the arising universe, then there is a feeling of being with the flow. Although this description is simple, the practice is exquisitely difficult and requires the highest levels of concentration and relaxation. A starting point is the practice of mindfulness and learning to live in the present moment. With mindfulness, everything we do provides an occasion for an observing consciousness: driving, walking, playing, eating, or washing the dishes. Flow consciousness is no different, except that it elevates attention to a much higher level of precision, openness, and continuity, enabling us to ride the regenerative wave of the ever-arising universe.
Recognizing Ourselves Before We Die (see Chapter 5)
Our responsibility is to use this life to recognize and develop ourselves as a body of light, love, music, and knowing. Light is a fundamental building block of the universe; we are literally beings of light. Rather than take qualities and textures of light for granted, we can notice and taste these differences in our awareness. Try sitting with soft eyes and relaxed attention, receiving the presence of the surrounding light.
We are also a body of resonance, or music. All that exists is vibrating with its unique resonance. We can listen for the hum of existence. In meeting another person, we can listen for the unique song of their soul. In each new situation, we can open to the feeling-tones and qualities of resonance people express. We can discover subtle feelings of harmony or disharmony and express our unique songline as we move through life.
The aliveness at the foundation of the universe has a distinct quality that has been called love. We can cultivate our awareness of the feeling tone of life.
Finally, each person embodies a distinctive orchestration of knowing that reflects our unique life experience. That knowing is not confined to our physical body; it also infuses the ecology of the universe and the atmosphere of existence. A core practice is to nurture a body of knowing that feels whole and congruent.
I often pay attention to one of these four qualities of the soul as I go through the day, and then spontaneously select a moment to ask myself, “If I were to die at this very moment, would I recognize myself?” I look for a wordless answer to the question, recognizing that death is an ally for awakening to my most authentic self.
Conversations
Another important way to bring the living universe into your life is in conversation with others. The idea of a living universe generates seeds for many conversations. With a spirit of open inquiry, where there are no right or wrong answers, discussions can move into interesting and unexpected areas. To keep the conversation alive, it is vital to have a balance of voices and the curiosity to discover other points of view. The purpose of these conversations is not to persuade but to understand one another and ourselves more fully.
I encourage you to dive into these conversations—in your home, at school, at work, in your blogs, and on the web. Consider inviting friends and associates to explore these questions in a conversation circle. For support of conversation circles go to my website (www.awakeningearth.org), where you can find writings on diverse topics, streaming videos, key links, online courses, and more. Here are a few of my favorite conversations on the theme of a living universe.
Is the Universe Dead or Alive at its Foundations?
This is a powerful question. Be prepared for strong points of view; people often have an immediate response. Some people view the universe as non-living at the foundations, see space as empty, matter as inert, and believe that we as living creatures have evolved from empty space and inert