Propulsion

In the early days of the U.S. Space Program (NASA), satellites were propelled into orbit with a two-stage rocket. The huge bottom stage provided the early thrust. A second smaller stage propelled the satellite and additional stages into sub-orbit before they too broke away. I have often referred to mental images of these early launches which I watched on black-and-white TV as a child when I am dealing with the challenges of daily life, the challenges of practice.

 

Practicing mindfulness and compassion in the everyday world is a matter of thrust against gravity and inertia of conformity, selfishness or apathy. The first major thrust occurs with the adjustment every morning of the body and brain to face the oncoming day. For me, this entails twenty minutes of stretches and exercise, attendance to my hygiene, a healthy breakfast and writing this blog. My second stage of thrust occurs as I encounter each situation of the day. Striving to be open and candid in the face of the challenges of urban life often requires a power boost from within...a second stage, a third stage, and so on.

 

Practicing in this way eventually launches the mind and body into an orbit of consciousness and health. Maintaining this orbit for me requires that I launch myself into it every day in the morning. The fuel for my propulsion is a combination of resolve, responsibility, responsiveness, meditation, reflection and motivation born of my ethical belief system.

 

Space travel, like a humanist practice,  requires intensive application of consciousness and even more intensive preparation. There is no margin for laziness or lack of concern for others. Many elements must be brought to play for a successful launch, orbit and reentry. Just like living in the moment as a person who aspires to mindfulness and compassion. Each day is a journey and a return. Each day is a chance to propel the mind and body to higher degrees of awareness, understanding and well being.