I have made a lifelong study
of the world’s wealth of disciplines
for awakening consciousness,
trying to find the common basis
of the various approaches to
meditation and contemplation.
I have finally come to believe that
the basic human practice is presence.
In my own life I have learned that
fear, grief and pain tend to ease
as I bring my focus home
to the depths of my own being.
If I mind my heart,
then I am at peace.
In my work with clients
I notice that humans become
more serene and tranquil,
less worried and angry,
as we become skillful at
breathing our breath,
feeling our feelings,
thinking our thoughts.
It seems like things go better as
we become conscious of ourselves.
This is a basic human practice –
being present with ourselves.
The mystery of this practice is that
being present with our own being,
brings us into a greater presence
of loving kindness and loving wisdom.
(Photograph by Annette Klaus.)