The cup needs to be half-full and an empty room is pitied. Changing perceptions is about as easy as changing eating habits, but let’s look at what can be gained from an alteration in mindset. When we allow ourselves to become empty, it’s not that we provide a space for something else to come in; we provide the opportunity for the recognition of what is already there – the space of pure Awareness – which is where you meet yourSelf.
“Only when a human being becomes empty of ego does it become a vessel of the manifestation of the Supreme. When there is sufficient space made through the absence of the person, then the Divine cannot hide.” ~ Mooji
We are constantly made aware of the many negative connotations associated with the idea of emptiness. If there is a part of your life that is empty, then it is perceived that you are “lacking” in something or not doing something right. That promotes guilt. So there’s that. But, I would say the most negative connotation is the fear that comes with the sense of incompleteness and aloneness. A fear perpetrated by the mind while holding us hostage to the unreal. It’s a conspiracy really – a conspiracy of the mind. Society, an accomplice, makes every attempt to ensure that no part of our lives has any emptiness at all. We fill up our minds and days with external stimuli to the point that we are never devoid of a thought or an action. We physically fill up spaces with things, even people, we feel will make us happy or “complete” us. Thoughts, emotions, things and others define the personality, which is who we erroneously think we are. So, we equate emptiness with non-identity, and that is the scariest idea of all.
Let me repeat that: …we equate emptiness with non-identity, and that is the scariest idea of all.
“Let yourself be merged into that pure emptiness which is the presence of God and true source of all spiritual strivings.” ~ Mooji
Spiritual practice is a type of feng shui for our lives. Cleaning out the clutter is an important step as the outer is a reflection of the inner. In yoga, the asanas and breath work help empty the body of stress and pain (physical, mental and emotional). As a result, we create a space for the recognition of pure awareness, which is not empty at all but is really a space of completeness. Meditation also provides the opportunity to enter into the vast fullness of our true Selves.
When you empty yourself of all that comes with the personality, all the mental, emotional, and material baggage, you reveal what was hidden but all the while waiting for you to discover: your true Self. Yes, live in the material world – let it give you what you need and enjoy, but remember that none of it defines You.
“… I slide like an empty boat pulled over the water.” ~ Rumi
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