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Most of us, in existence — because of the way we were educated (or miseducated) — are immersed almost exclusively in the conceptual, rather than in what is of real energy and substance.  Our concepts (and our perceptions that are based on concepts) are almost always about virtual patterns and images; they are seldom (or never) of the essence of actual energy.  Our modes of consciousness are almost always based around “patterns” within energy; we are seldom (or never) pure and unadulterated energy.  Certain people and groups maintain that you should strive to exist in the “here and now” to better come into contact with that pristine energy (or the essence or source behind all things).  (They’ll give you all kinds of techniques or methods for getting to the “here and now,” which is so ludicrous, as if a technique from the past can fabricate the present.)  Really, for many, the “here and now” is often the result of more concepts, more propositions and proposals put forward by others to absorb and react to.  Then such a “here” or such a “now” becomes a learned frame of mind or mindset (that seems to be divorced from the past), but that really is an extension from (and of) the past.  Perhaps the conditioned recognition of the “now” (as being separate from the past and the future) requires reactions (from the past) that negate the actuality of really being in (a now that is not merely part of the past).  So there is a strong possibility that the moment you recognize that you are in “the here and now”… you really aren’t in (or of) it.  

Most of us are endlessly talkative (to ourselves), endlessly chattering (or visualizing mental images) throughout the day (and night, as we sleep).  We thrive on these endlessly chattering patterns… we are these endlessly chattering patterns.  We are used to being the past, endlessly restructuring itself from (and “as”) patterns that were learned and absorbed.  If the mind (naturally, without method or effort) is quiet (at times) throughout the day, (extremely aware and alert, but without endlessly chattering to itself internally), then at night it can really rest and sleep (without any continuing and habitual, conditioned chattering).  Then, when it sleeps, dreams (and the many absurd patterns that they entail) need not take place; then the mind can really rest and gather energy, without friction, without fears, inner struggles, needless conflict, and all that clutter.  Then, when such a mind wakes, it is naturally (without any effort whatsoever) quiet.  In that quietness, there is no conflict, struggle, friction, control, or domination.  Then there’s no recognition of a “now” separate from the past or the future; but there is an intensity (an intelligent awareness) without dependence upon anything — not even dependence upon recognition and knowledge (which so many are frightened to leave) — (and this includes being beyond the patterns that were poured into it when it was younger).  Then, when it looks, it doesn’t merely robotically perceive what was taught.  Such a mind is truly alive and doesn’t exclusively perceive through (and “as”) the screen of the learned/programmed past.

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Downsideup. Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2015