In previous posts, i’ve mentioned existing in effortlessness. Effortlessness is not some lazy psychological state that causes one to be lackadaisical throughout the day. It is not a state of mind that causes one to lay around listlessly throughout the day.
Most of us habitually engage in (and “as”) the effort of “thinking” throughout the day. We are so ingrained in the effort of “thinking” that we hardly or rarely exist without it. We mechanically engage in (and “as”) thinking with constant effort. This “thinking” involves so-called effort by a supposed central, controlling ego. Habitual “thinking” creates the habitual “thinker.” There is a deep perception, however, that does not depend on the habitual effort of thinking. Such perception is not stagnant laziness; on the contrary, it is tremendous energy. This energy acts without dependence on any habitual effort that a limited ego reacts as. In fact, the limited ego is devoid of this energy… and such an ego is often trapped in (and “as”) a series of reactions resulting from habitual effort. This habitual effort was hammered into one (by others in the past) and on this one depends. It is the result of an imitative, secondhand process; it is — itself — an imitative, secondhand process. Imitative, secondhand processes consist of absorbed psychological time and are not true liberation/freedom.
Deep perception is beyond the secondhand. It involves a wholeness that acts outside of the fragmentary effort of an isolated ego. An isolated ego is, itself, secondhand and is the result of stale, fragmentary, effort. The effort of a secondhand ego involves repetitive, habitual psychological time. Wisely existing beyond such effort does not require more time.
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
” There is a deep perception, however, that does not depend on the habitual effort of thinking. Such perception is not stagnant laziness; on the contrary, it is tremendous energy.”…let me tell you about last night – today is my dead brother’s birthday when I re-membered I felt sad – and then the words rose unbidden – go outside and I did… it was dark last night and hundreds of tree frogs were trilling and then from out of the mother pine appeared a single golden firefly who slowly sank to eye level – a few more blinks and i am transported… between the fireflies, tree frogs, fragrant night air – well you know the rest. When it was over I came back and threw open the windows (too humid) expecting to hear frogs and see fireflies NOT A ONE sound or sighing….
Sorry about your deceased brother, Sara.
oh Tom thank you for the acknowledgment –
I never thought about the mechanics of habitual engagement Tom, but it makes sense. Yet the effortlessness of perception and thought processes, I agree, is not lackadaisical and mindless. It gives us the opportunity to release, recharge and regain that energy of wisdom we never tapped into because of our egotistical entrapment. Great introspect my friend. Stay well! 👏🏼🥰💖
Yes, Kym, egotistical entrapment. Along with this, we habitually employ psychological effort most of the time. Our perpetual psychological striving is not bliss. 😉
I am curious how you got a fly to match the leaf. There was some effort on your part here Tom. 🙂
No effort on my part, Linda. The Long Legged Fly realizes where to blend in to keep from being eaten. 😉
Ah, you make a valid point there Tom. It does mesh perfectly with the leaf.