Wake up to conscious living

Environmentalism, healthy living and spirituality seem to have all found a new home under the umbrella term “conscious living” – a phrase I’m finding myself exposed to a lot more lately. It seems people are no longer imprisoning themselves in an eco-warrior identity, muesli-munching ghetto or incense-burning bodily temple. More and more, I’d say, specialised alternative interests are giving way to a more rounded holistic approach to life that mixes and matches the myriad ways of feeling good, looking good and even being good – to oneself, each other and the planet.

Whilst conscious living certainly trips off the tongue a lot easier than the American version – “LOHAS”, standing for Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability - what does it really mean? If you are alive, and not in a coma or asleep, you must surely be living consciously?

Well apparently not. Being alive, some conscious living proponents might argue, does not mean you’re living very consciously. To them, life is about the choices we make. And furthermore, the consequence and quality of our choices is directly related to our level of consciousness – or how aware we are. And they might add: the more aware we are, the better the contribution we make to those around us and the world we live.

The simplest of examples is the now very lowly plastic bag. Ten years ago, most of us thoughtlessly packed our shopping into those apparently disposable carriers. Since our consciousness grew to understand that these items, carelessly used, are an environmental disaster waiting to happen, they are latterly shunned and outlawed in some shops and even whole towns.

Similarly, organic food and complementary therapies were once thought of as the choice of navel-gazing cranks, yet are now the preferred choice of many. How long until we say: “Why on earth did we allow ANY poison on foods?” Let alone allowing it to be unnecessarily shipped thousands of miles or grown under exploitative economic conditions. Things clearly change and what was once cranky becomes a more conscious and subsequently unquestioned choice.

This process allegedly prompted the 19th century philosopher Schopenhauer to say: "Truth always goes in three stages. First it is ridiculed, then violently opposed, and finally accepted as self-evident."

Seen another way, perhaps it’s those who live unconsciously who ridicule those endeavouring to live more consciously, ultimately waking up to the “self-evident” truth that perhaps the earth isn’t flat, maybe witches shouldn’t be burned and could it be that we can’t go on living with so little regard for the earth’s finite resources?

On a lighter note, my own definition of conscious living would recommend associating with what’s uplifting and inspiring in order that life becomes easier and more enjoyable. I promote living in the moment and going with the flow - being happy now, knowing that I’m doing my best and going in the right direction at least. What’s best and right however, only time will tell.

It’s also worth saying that living consciously is not an on or off matter; it’s a continuum, leading – some say – to the highest states of human experience. Whatever the theory, clearly life is about choices. If you disagree; that’s your choice. And when it comes to conscious living, the choice is yours; the choices are yours. Are you choosing wisely?

To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.— Albus Dumbledore (J.K. Rowling)

Those who know me will argue that I have used this forum improperly to glorify my cat, Minchy. My belief is that Minchy does provide us a lesson on Life. As a tiny kitten not more than 2 weeks old, she spent a week in ditch crying for help without food and water until we found her.

The malnutrition has had lasting impact on her bone structure, her spine, shoulder blades and pelvis are deformed and since her ribcage constricts her lungs, the slightest exertion causes her breathing difficulty. She must be in pain, but I have never known her to let on except once. She has more joie de vivre than Paris Hilton. Minchy teaches me, that it’s living with dignity that the tough one not death. It’s in this context that I asked you to read Shabry’s story.

Greener Living Expo

"Over 20 times more people worldwide are affected by floods than 40 years ago (perhaps July 07's floods in the heart of England bare testimony to this). The polar ice caps are rapidly melting and the rainforests, the 'lungs of the Earth', are being destroyed at an alarming rate.

We all realise that climate change is a real problem and needs to be addressed immediately. But what is the next step to take once you have realised that considerate living is your responsibility?

Our first pioneering environmental expo will take place on 9th and 10th of February 2008 in Exhibition Hall 1 of the Barbican. It will be a 'one stop shop' for regular people and businesses who want to live and work in a more sustainable way."

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One minute wisdom by Anthony De Mello

Most people tell you they want to get out of kindergarten, but don't believe them. Don't believe them! All they want you to do is to mend their broken toys. "Give me back my wife. Give me back my job. Give me back my money. Give me back my reputation, my success." This is what they want; they want their toys replaced. That's all. Even the best psychologist will tell you that, that people don't really want to be cured. What they want is relief; a cure is painful.

Waking up is unpleasant, you know. You are nice and comfortable in bed. It's irritating to be woken up. That's the reason the wise guru will not attempt to wake people up. I hope I'm going to be wise here and make no attempt whatsoever to wake you up if you are asleep. It is really none of my business, even though I say to you at times, "Wake up!" My business is to do my thing, to dance my dance. If you profit from it, fine; if you don't, too bad! As the Arabs say, "The nature of rain is the same, but it makes thorns grow in the marshes and flowers in the gardens."

http://www.demello.org/article12.html

An Arrangement of Silence

Chopin

Time Comes

Once
Time comes
With Fate's touch
You detach

Like a leaf
Falling softly
To the ground
From a branch