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“The person who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
— Confucius
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I had a lovely weekend teaching an Ascension meditation course. So many great people with great questions, so much laughing, so many realisations, so much aliveness – so much peace too.
That night, the sun dropped down over the hill all different kinds of colours, and I had that kind of satisfaction you only get from a job well done, and in showing people something I love.
It’s not just about making it a great weekend, but educating and inspiring someone so they get going on their own wonderful lifelong journey. Because truly, it’s not just “Go within or go without,” but “Go within to go beyond”.
That going beyond doesn’t seem to have an end point. Like all fantastic journeys, it never ends. There’s always more, which is very exciting – once you get into the groove of it.
I can’t hold anyone’s hand. I can’t make anyone make these small changes and stay fairly consistent with them, but I can certainly do my best to point the way.
Small changes are all that’s needed.
We tend to think all or nothing – but every mountain is climbed one step at a time. Or, removed one pebble at a time.
Finding consistency with something small is so much easier than consistency with something big.
It seems some people can stay with drastic changes. They need that, perhaps they realise they’re on course for some massive cliff, and drastic measures are necessary.
But for the rest of us, sometimes a little at a time means we can build on that.
When I teach Ascension, I talk about practicing for 15-20 minutes, two or three times a day.
I know that’s a ton. But Ascension is so very enjoyable, restful and useful, it’s an investment that pays off over and over again.
But if you can’t do that, start smaller.
Do it once a day for 15 minutes. Or 10 minutes. Or 5.
Or just see if you can pause and think the Ascension techniques while doing one task – like walking, or cleaning your teeth, or driving, or cooking. Or just think one technique once a day with your eyes open.
A little done regularly is so much better than something big done never.
Doing something you said you would, no matter how small, feels good too – “I did it!” and so gets far more engrained than feeling bad because you didn’t do something huge. Again.
Feeling good about yourself means you keep going. It quickly becomes a ritual, not something you do because it’s merely “good for you” but something you love, something you’re excited about, something you miss when you don’t.
And before you know it, you’re flying, off on your own lifelong journey of discovering more and more about your Self, able to make the kind of difference you want to make in your life.
So, as always in life, manage your expectations. Take an honest look, do what you can, and rejoice in that.
Go well,
Arjuna
PS.
If you’d like to join us, the next Ascension meditation course is 31 March - 2 April (starts 7pm Friday).
More details here – https://www.arjunaishaya.com/ishayasascension, or just ask.
The last course sold out so if you’re interested, get in touch.
No matter how good that app is, there’s nothing in the world like face to face instruction; nor are the best inner tools and technologies taught without individual guidance.
It’s a grand weekend, and it would be lovely to have you.
PPS.
And of course, if you’re not ready for that yet, my free mini-course in meditation and mindfulness and coaching group, The 200% Dojo, is here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/708920116904793
PPPS.
And the Unplugged Creative retreat – here in Richmond, N Yorks, on 6-10 March.
Undistracted focus time to create something of true value to you, nurtured with meditation, breathing, time in nature, swimming, with the guidance and support from me, super coach Alex Myers, and a team of comrades.
Hit reply and I’ll get you the full details.