Intention - The Key to Be Free

I often speak of the need to surrender in order to fully inhabit the present moment and attain freedom from habitual self obsessed thinking. But there's a lot of preparatory work to do before that's possible. Unfortunately, people usually have difficulty figuring out where to focus their energy.

Some dedicate themselves to ritual. Going to church, temple, mosque, class, retreat, etc. Or, spending extended periods sitting in meditation, praying, studying texts, practicing yogasana, etc. Imagining that doing the right things will yield the ultimate reward.

Many get immersed in trying to understand the greater scheme of being, philosophically. Reading, debating, listening to one who's wiser or more educated, contemplating, journaling, etc. Imagining that ultimate understanding is just a puzzle piece away.

Not that any of these aren't helpful in making one more well rounded and articulate. But none of these directly address the key issue that prevents our being present. The most important preparatory task is refining, strengthening and clarifying one's intentions. People are geared to strive, achieve, gain and become - applying their force of will to attain an end. Being in the moment isn't fixed, substantial or permanent, it's more like holding our breath or focusing our gaze on one spot. It's a temporary/transient way of being, not a destination or attainment.

It takes clear, substantial and deep rooted motivation to keep old habits from derailing us, as soon as we encounter the unfamiliar. The incentive has to be, to become open, not to be superior. To know the truth, whatever it may be, not to be wise or all knowing. To give of one's self, not receive for one's self. To be free of all notions and beliefs, so that “what is” can flow to us and through us, without deflection or distortion.

When every cell of our being is in agreement, possibilities expand exponentially. Now, this does require applying some of the afore mentioned tactics - except, with the specific aim of improving, ingraining and integrating one's deepest intentions.