Happy Just One Look Day

In 1997 I met a woman who rocked my world. Gangaji was an ordinary, born in the USA, high school cheer leader. Yet she was a master. At the feet of the master so to speak, my mind slowed and months of peace and bliss followed. I say at the feet of the master because I was invited to a small private satsang where I sat at her feet. As I sat beside her I could see all the efforting of the past, yet in this clear moment of grace, life sparkled in deep simplicity and peace. All I could do was laugh. It wasn’t that hyper type of laughter, but more the silent understanding of the truth that brought endless joy to life. I imagined my internal good fortune would stretch forever and as in the movies, there’s always a kink in the story. I knew it wouldn’t last, because I’ve had so many awakenings, but in the moment I could not imagine not being aware of the sweetness and presence of truth.  The levels of bliss did not last but I kept my eye and heart on presence as much as I could.   

In 2008 I travelled in India and on one jaunt went  Ramana’s ashram. It was a privilege to mediate in the caves where Ramana meditated. I felt at home in this small Indian village – no it was more than that. When I arrived the emotions were so strong I cried for a day. “I am home. I am home.” resounded in every fiber of my being and body. When it was time to leave, I armed myself with as many books as I could carry. 

During a later period, I was following Ramana’s instructions for Vichara. I devoted all my energy to the practice, but the more I worked at it, the farther the dangling carrot moved. I wondered if there was anyone else doing this work so I did a search on Vicahra. I found a Youtube and an amazing guy who had been through the same sequence as I. John Sherman encountered Gangaji, fell from grace, then explored Ramana’s teachings and Vichara as a path to enlightenment.  In his direct encounter with reality, John experienced the simplicity and ease of life. He teaches you to take a moment to look at yourself and feel what it feels like to be you. This easy action, when done with frequency, becomes the medicine to heal the mind from its need to warp reality into endless stories and fables.  This look is the miracle that dissolves the fear of life. 

John has a movement now in which one can pledge to take “Just One Look.” I’m asking you to spend today just stopping your mind and taking that dive into the direct experience of you. And then do it again. It only takes a millisecond. I can personally tell you this act begins the dissolution of the experience of separation. Just try it. Visit this link to get full instructions on the “Just One Look” experience. http://www.justonelook.org  And for today – just LOOK.  Happy Just One Look Day.

Happy Body Day

Hear Ye. Hear Ye. I proclaim this day as National Body Holiday.

In keeping with the idea that every day is a holiday, today I’ve chosen the body. Golly, the body is our most valuable possession.

How can one celebrate Body Day?  Feed yourself whole wonderful foods. After all, our health is more important than our appetites.  The body loves to eat, but it is not equipped to eat processed foods.

Be kind to your body.  Look in the mirror with approval – you can see your body’s reflection in the mirror and it wants you to be kind. I used to pass by the mirror first thing in the morning and frown at my wild hair, the dried drool, and my overall rumpled look.  One day I stopped in my tracks – how crazy it was to criticize myself in the mirror when I just got out of bed. Oprah doesn’t even look like Oprah until after an expensive makeup job.

Another way to honor and celebrate our bodies is to actually be in our bodies.  A quick and easy way to be in the body is to feel what the bottom of your feet feel like throughout the day. What kind of pressure is on the bottom of the foot? The pressure changes when we lift our feet.  This awareness seems to connect me from head to toe. I love it.

Again, Happy Body Day.  If you are reading this then I’m sure you have a body. Honor it – today is the day!

Anne Sermons Gillis

Happy Green day

I'm doing this zany fun thing and making everyday a holiday. It started last week. I've had "Make Jim (my husband)Great," "Unexpected Surprise, and Happiness Day holidays. Today my holiday is the Green Holiday. You may think you know what that means, but maybe not. I'm using the color green to tune in. Every time I see something that's green, I slow down, drink in the object. 

There's a green sheet of paper on my desk. How appropriate for green day. Outside I see ginger plant leaves. Green is everywhere but today I notice it.  It's always helpful to me to have a reminder that slows my mind down - that keeps me looking deeper into life itself as opposed to looking at my mind's commentary. Happy Green Day.