Bette Davis has famously quoted “old age ain’t for sissies” and I often replace the old age with “these teachings ain’t for sissies”. Showing up for yourself everyday takes guts and remaining detached from the outcome of our efforts–or lack thereof–is an elegant form of catch and release diligence.
When the imbalance scales become tipped and your feeling “consumed” by self-absorption–impatience, denial, fear of letting go, worry, general lack of…chances are, you’ve fallen under klesha attack.
Time to dip into your reliable library of knowledge tools and zap back into the reality of presence.
According to the ancient yogis and buddhists, the root cause of human suffering is due to the five kleshas. When you are feeling challenged or not expressing yourself in the most flattering light, carve out a bit of self-reflection time and visit the kleshas. They are often referenced in the form of a tree–starting at the root and branching out. See and feel if any (or all) of them bring up areas of constriction–emotionally or physically.
Take it slow and be tender with yourself….it’s about progress not perfection. Doing our best by simply taking the time to look within is a profound act of seed planting.
THE KLESHAS:
- Avidya–Ignorance. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to falsely representing our reality and the inability to see things as they truly are. Being affected by this klesha is believing that the temporary will last forever. Ignorance is the root in the klesha tree–extending outward into the gateway branches to the following four.
- Asmita–I am. The amplification of our ego or false sense of self. It is internally and externally referenced as our self-adhered labels, positions, and material possessions in life. When our ego is inflated we block and lose touch with our higher Self. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said it best, we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
- Raga–Attachment. Being blinded by wanting more in life. It’s about enjoying the gifts of pleasure while existing in the moment and remaining detached when it’s time to let it go. This maintains your flow of balance without knocking the wind out of your sails.
- Dvesha–Repulsion. The aversion to all things unpleasant. When we create emotional distance from the things that repulse us with fear, anxiety and worry, we are avoiding living in the present. Facing the unpleasant head on–consciously–maintains our rhythm of presence without disruption.
- Abhinivesha–Will to live. We know it’s coming, but we still fear the inevitable reality of death. This is the most universally felt klesha and form some, the very thought of it can be all too consuming. Create your story and live the live of your dreams…while it’s happening in real time. Live out your legacy.
Are you watering, fertilizing, pruning your klesha tree?
Be present in your reality.
Keep your ego in check.
Honor and appreciate what you have and loosen the grip of attachment.
Lean into life’s unavoidable unpleasantries HEAD ON so you can move through…and beyond.
Nurture and appreciate your life. Roll with love.
Write them on the bathroom mirror, put them on the fridge, computer, car…wherever/whenever…and shorten the distance that pulls us away from BEing and living our finest expression. POWER UP, stay connected, and release the klesha control!
Be well. Live free. Love hard. Rock on!
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