Expanding into Spaciousness
V2 Pai May 2023
I lengthen my breath, each cycle a fraction bigger
After much time and patience, I reach what feels to be the maximum
My attention is here, in this moment, I begin to relax
I focus on softer, slower breaths, especially the point between in and out
My mind becomes quieter, more leisurely, the tension in my body dissipates, I can feel the release of intention.
In here, hiding in the background, is my awareness, the witness to all sensations
Gentler in, gentler out
I focus solely on the exquisite point of transition, where one becomes the other
It's here the still point is found
In between inhalation and exhalation there is space
Ever slower, ever gentler, the space between breaths begins to open up
Expanding into spaciousness
Floating in the timeless, centreless emptiness
Free, weightless, without intention or purpose, without judgement, without the need to define sensations, drifting in open awareness
I cannot stay here, but I don't need to
Only to come and fill my cup with tranquillity and acceptance
Only to put down all my plans, worries and desires, just for a while
And when the magic fades and supposed reality returns, I see the things I put down in a new light
I will only pick back up what I really need, the rest I let go
This is the practice of grasping and releasing
The breath a doorway to access the timeless inner wisdom that says
‘Let go, let go, breath slow and let go, again and again’
The breeze flutters through the myriad of leaves, a song on the wind, an ancient melody
Inviting me to see what really matters
To set my rhythm to align with the glorious rising sun and the mystical luminous moon
To turn away regularly from the ever faster pace of modernity and seek refuge in a simpler life
Growth is a seed planted in selfless soil, watered with loving kindness and blooming in graceful gratitude which heals my very soul
Drink deep from the well of spacious awareness, then walk each day on the path of the knowledge gained
To see others as yourself, is to offer the love in your heart freely, so that all you meet are truly seen. What greater gift can you give while expecting nothing in return.
The occasional reflection in kind, a serendipitous joy to be savoured in its succulent sweetness