Date: Sun Feb 6, 2000 1:51 pm

Subject: Present moments

Surrendering to the present moment is the only way to peace of mind,

emotional calm, serenity. But how to do it? The hard part is the mind and

body need to get coordinated.

Phyllis - 52 days off - what a milestone. It will continue to get better and

better.

Anita, too, everyone looking for that peace in the present.

There are techniques to do it. Some way to focus outside of "self" is needed

and there are ways to do it. I started with a book of matches. Light one

match, stare at the flame intensely until it's about to burn your finger,

then blow it out, close your eyes and focus on "seeing" that flame. See

the various colors, different shadings it has. I can see it now.

Do it a few times and as you practice it will get easier. I can recall that

flame any time I want to now. Close your eyes and count backward is another

way to try. Count from 10 back to 1 while telling yourself to relax, focus

on "nothing".

Get some meditation or relaxation tapes and use them. Sorry I don't do

candles, incense and all that stuff, but if you like it, feel free.

Just keep looking at what you see outside of yourself, indoors look at

whatever's there, name it out loud, really "see" it. Outdoors, do the same.

Reach out and touch whatever you're looking at while saying it out loud. The

more senses you can get involved at the same time the better. See, say,

touch, all together.

While sitting quietly repeat over and over "I surrender". The trick is to

stop the brain from thinking, the thing it does so well.

Try drawing without looking at the paper. This will activate the right brain

which is where you want to go. Time and words fall away. Tape paper to a

table, turn your head away so you can't see the paper, now look intently at

your hand and start drawing one finger or your thumb without looking at the

paper. Don't think about it, just stare at it while you draw. If you

succeed in getting into right brain you will know it when it happens. You

can feel the difference. And for goodness sake, don't worry about what your

drawing looks like, it will look ridiculous, but producing a drawing is not

the point here.

The brain will immediately say that we have to plan, to worry, to schedule,

but not so, planning isn't necessary if you get surrendered in the present,

everything just falls into place and you will be able to do what needs doing

when the next moment arrives.

Oh, well, my 2 bob's worth for today, give it a try, what have you got to

lose?

Praying everyone has a day of peace and joy,

Rosemarie