Evolving Earth Consciousness Through Covid Lockdowns
Outer Restrictions Can Be A Guide To Journey Inwards…
A single bed by a bedside table; & across, a window; usually allowing a glimpse of nature during the day, & starry skies at night. You might not need the view though. Because, for a change, most of your time will be spent viewing only what is visible inside you.
A digital alarm clock wakes you up at 4 a.m. The only two & unquestioningly vegetarian meals of each day, end before noon. No televisions; books; newspapers; writing materials; cellphones; electronic devices; & snacks are allowed. Also no communication; through words, signs, & eye contact.
The only thing left to do for about twelve hours is, to meditate. If not your commitment, the dread of passing ten days by just counting minutes, should make you do it.
I assume, & hope that the restrictions an average person faces at home, in a world locked down through Covid are not as severe as in a Buddhist Vipassana course. Nonetheless, there’s no denying that just by being forced inside their homes, like never before, humans are aware of a collective opportunity for a macro level mindfulness retreat of sorts! Spiritually, the earth seems to be pushing each of us into individually embarking upon a journey mankind is always avoiding; one exclusively into our innermost recesses, whether we embrace this through joyful awareness, or frustration.
This is not, of course, easily understood; not just because of the outer sense of doom, & uncertainty. But, as many must be realizing increasingly, even the most luxurious homes cease to be a luxury, if humans are denied their greatest need- freedom. Whether it’s communing with his fellow beings; or going outside for earning & spending his money, man likes to exert his presence; to take up space.
But, the biggest underlying bondage that physical freedom allows man to escape from is, his own mind!
To be constantly cosseted with the mind’s unrelenting chatter, deal with its hidden mysteries; be forced face to face with the harshness of one’s own inner reality; the shadows, emptiness, & illusions, is existence’s most underrated reality. Humans; even the most introverted ones, are not used to true introversion. We are terrified & discomforted of the bottomless, unchartered terrain of the subconscious; & of the incessant courage it requires to tread through it. Of being forced to experience the possible dissolution of our carefully constructed ego selves, & the dearly held notions that support it, even if this might ultimately lead us to our greatest illumination!
The most fantastic entertainments, & most breathtaking adventures, finally prove to be nothing but sophisticated escapades & distractions; endlessly churning out new innovative ways to keep us focussed on the limited external, & in absolute denial of the infinite internal.
The outer trials are not always in our control. But, to use this time mindfully to transcend our overwhelming limitations, is. To collectively live more authentically, post it, can truly be a gift. And, ascension can only come through descending deep down into that inner space of silence; letting go of some of that which no longer serves us as conscious beings, & awakening to the liberating truth of who we truly are…
