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INVITATION TO INQUIRY

Being and doing

There is an old saying, if you want to get something done ask a busy person to do it. In every community or group there are those of us who seem to be doers. Sometimes being too busy with doing keeps us from the very thing that would allow us to just be in the moment. Many people are craving simplicity yet never inquire into what keeps them from creating it in daily life.

This inquiry is not about stopping doing as we all have things in everyday life that require our attention and energy. It is not about only doing what you want to do, although when there is no resistance it becomes easier to do everything. It is simply about questioning automatic responses and examining how we do what we do.

The idea of choice is an interesting concept. We often assume that when we are faced with making a decision that we actually have a choice of a response. Many times we do. On the other hand often we have a reflexive, unconscious response when asked by someone to do something. Sometimes there is an internal voice that keeps us running; I must do this or that. I should do this or that. If there is an unconscious internal tape running you may feel that you always have to respond with yes to anything that is asked.

The other side of this is someone who always responds with no. Often they are resisting out of fear or feeling inadequate. Then there are times where we say yes while feeling no or no while feeling yes. When we are not in alignment with our choice other emotions remain in the background. Actually, both side of an issue need to be examined in order to truly have choice. Choice arises when you are free to say yes or no to the situation. This requires a little time to consider both sides.

If you are always too busy and have a longing for stillness, inquire into the motivation for all that doing.
What assumptions or expectations do I have of myself, of others? Much of our internal dialogue has nothing to do with our present situation but comes from past memory or experience of similar situations. What do I imagine would happen if I just stopped for a while? Would the world stop?

1. Take a breath and ask the question? By always doing what am I resisting feeling or knowing?
Allow an answer to arise

2. For the next inquiry question remember a situation where you said yes to someone or something when you were feeling no. By saying yes to the situation what am I resisting? What am I creating?

What do you imagine would occur if you said no.? Notice what arises. Listen to the internal voice and ask
is what arises true? Be willing to question any fear or judgment of yourself or another. So often there is an internal tape running and without questioning the tape runs us.

3. The other side of the inquiry is to recall a situation where you said no and felt yes? By saying no what am I resisting? What am I creating? Is what arises true?

Be willing to be with your awareness and enjoy a moment of stillness.

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