Less Distracted: Embracing the Essence of God
In our busy world, it’s easy to get caught up in distractions—whether they are external or internal. We focus on the forms around us: the people, the things, the situations that shape our experiences. But what if we paused for a moment and considered that these forms are not the essence of our reality? What if we allowed ourselves to become less distracted by appearances and tuned into the formless presence of God that permeates all things?
God is not confined to a particular form, statue, or image. Instead, God is like the gold that makes up a ring, the essence that transcends the shape of the ring itself. When we focus too much on the form—on the details, labels, and interpretations—we miss the intrinsic nature of God. It is this essence that is ever-present, whether we are feeling joyful or down, in acceptance or judgment.
When we become less distracted by form, we begin to shine with the light of God. This light permeates through the illusions created by our minds—those gremlins of judgment and fear that obscure our true nature. As we release our grip on these illusions, we experience a deeper sense of peace and love that is the fragrance of God’s presence.
This realization is not about adopting a detached or aloof stance towards life. Instead, it’s about shifting our identity from the transient, ever-changing forms to the timeless essence of God. We can still have preferences, likes, and dislikes, but they no longer define us. Our true identity lies in the universal presence that is intimately connected with all things.
Just as in a dream, where everything occurs within the mind, our waking reality is similarly a product of consciousness. We never experience the world as it is; we experience our interpretation of it. Our state of consciousness shapes what we perceive, and our awareness is the canvas on which our reality is painted. By understanding this, we can move from a state of resistance and judgment towards self-acceptance, knowing that everything, including our non-acceptance, is already accepted by God.
This self-acceptance is crucial. When we recognize our judgments and resistances, we can release them into the basic space of God—the formless awareness that is always present. This shift from judgment to acceptance allows us to move from a contracted state of being to one of ease and wholeness. By doing so, we align more closely with the essence of God, experiencing life from a place of unity rather than separation.
In this state, we become less distracted by the forms and labels that once defined us. We begin to see through the illusions of separation and recognize the intrinsic oneness of all things. As our understanding of God deepens, it transcends any particular path or teaching, allowing us to rest in the silent knowing that God is formless, ever-present, and inseparable from our true nature.
Quote to Ponder: “As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.” – Henry David Thoreau
Spiritual Reference: “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10. This scripture invites us to quiet our minds from distractions to truly understand and feel the presence of God.
Practical Steps to Become Less Distracted:
- Meditation: Spend time each day in silence, focusing on your breath or a mantra, to connect with the formless essence of existence.
- Mindfulness: Practice being fully present in whatever you’re doing, reducing the noise of multitasking.
- Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your feelings and thoughts without judgment, understanding they are not your essence but fleeting forms.
- Nature Immersion: Spend time in nature to remind yourself of the simplicity and beauty of the formless.
- Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal to shift focus from what’s missing to the abundance that’s already present.
- Digital Detox: Set aside times where you disconnect from all digital devices to reconnect with your inner self.