“I promise myself that I will enjoy every minute of the day that is given me to live.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Day 18 – The Wholeness of Time
CENTERING THOUGHT
Awareness is the home of wholeness.
SANSKRIT MANTRA
Aham Brahmasmi (The true nature of my self is the wholeness of the universe)
Message of the Day
In today’s meditation, we learn that our essential nature is wholeness. Life is complete and whole in this moment. However, the mind conceptualizes a separate self inside and a world outside, and thereby breaks this wholeness into duality. When awareness forgets its true nature as wholeness, it becomes fragmented and feels lost and weak. When we restore awareness back to the present moment, we restore unity, because the core of every experience is wholeness.
Journal Question
- Wholeness is lost when we separate life into “me” and “not me.” The first step towards regaining it is examining those moments when you do feel whole, and increasing them. When have you felt most whole, connected, and part of something bigger than yourself? Perhaps it was in meditation, looking out over a beautiful view in nature, creating inspired artwork, or having a meaningful conversation with a loved one. How can you bring more of these moments into your life?
- Wholeness is undermined when you feel lonely, depressed, resentful, isolated, or out of place. When you resist participating in the social aspects of life or go into seclusion, you are denying that you are part of the wholeness of the universe. Write down some ways that you can lessen these feelings in your day-to-day life.
- Finally, wholeness is undermined by self-judgment, denial, living in the past, feeling past wounds and bad memories, and lack of self-esteem. Are there any areas where you feel this in your life right now? Describe at least three ways you can help prevent these things from affecting your sense of self.
- Reflect further on your experience today.