The Opportunities in the Mundanities of Life

As a spiritual teacher I am aware that I have much to learn, and the older I get the more aware I am of how little I know.

The teacher-pupil relationship is one of mutual giving and receiving, and I am so grateful for the gifts of wisdom I receive daily from those with whom I work and interact. Knowledge comes not from books (though they can help to guide the way) but from experience, and living life is the greatest teacher of all.

Every moment of that life of yours is an opportunity to grow; even when you are doing something mundane like getting dressed, your attitude, emotion and mental patterns will change you or reinforce established patterns of thought or behaviour. It may be you are tranquil, anxious about the day ahead, sleepy, appreciative of a quiet moment, disturbed by the noises around you, cross that your partner is still sleeping, concerned you are late, enjoying the feel of the clothes you are putting on. Getting dressed does not have to be rushed or a chore or filled with mental chatter, but can be a chance to enjoy colour, texture, light, fragrance, sound and the beauty that is always present in your life. It is your time.

If, at any moment in your day, you are able to pause and to notice how you are feeling emotionally and mentally, you are then able to detach and come into a place of peace. Two seconds of standing back from your emotions and observing them is enough to bring you back to your centre and see your present situation in its truth. Practise this when you can for it will change everything, of that there is no doubt.