Note: This post was originally published as a guest post on The Daily Brainstorm. Also, I enjoyed being interviewed by Hulbert Lee of From Bottom Up about changing habits. If you’d like to listen, please click here.
Truth…love…beauty. Just reading these words clears out the cobwebs. They are like a tap on the shoulder, beckoning us to return to ourselves, to remember that, underneath all the turbulence, we are whole and sane.
Truth…love…beauty. These are essential qualities that reflect right to the core of our being. But they are not esoteric or airy-fairy.
When the chaos of our thoughts settles, the clarity of truth shines through.
When we stop seeking outside ourselves to fulfill our needs, we know love.
When we meet the world without blinders on, we see beauty everywhere.
Without these grounding qualities, we feel alienated and empty. We live our lives by only skimming the surface of what is possible. Our culture pays lip service to their importance, but those of us who are moved to explore them inhabit the outer region of the bell curve. Is that you? When we divest ourselves of the pressures to conform, we step across the threshold to wonders unimagined.
What about infusing your everyday experience with truth, love, and beauty? Find where they resonate inside you, then dive in and explore past the edges of your comfort zone. You just might discover some unexpected treasures that life has in store for you.
From Compulsive Thinking to Truth
“If you could only keep quiet, clear of memories and expectations, you would be able to discern the beautiful pattern of events. It is your restlessness that causes chaos.”
~Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Our minds love to be occupied with figuring things out. We plan, analyze, strategize, judge, interpret, ruminate, defend – anything but seeing things as they are. A quiet mind simplifies. The truth without the mental overlay tells us exactly what we need to know. If we are willing. Would you like to be more aligned with truth? Consider these:
- Become familiar with your patterns of thinking that keep you from seeing things accurately. When you feel them revving up to divert you away from truth, take a breath, and be curious enough to stay present.
- Investigate everything you assume to be true to see if it is actually true, thought by thought.
- Tell the truth in your daily life. Be honest in your words and actions.
- Eliminate pretending, faking, lying, fooling yourself, and shading the truth.
- Discern what you know and what you don’t know. Become comfortable in the realm of not knowing. “I don’t know” is a perfectly valid response to any question.
- Be authentic in your life decisions. Have the courage to clean up your life so that every aspect of it expresses your truth.
From Need to Love
“The longest journey you will ever take is the 18 inches from your head to your heart.”
~ Andrew Bennett
We look for love in all the wrong places. While we are busy thinking that what we have is not sufficient, we fail to see the riches that are already here. Whether we are seeking approval, recognition, or the love of a partner, in any moment, we can stop the charade of lack and turn our attention to the overflowing abundance of now. Here’s how:
- Challenge your conditioned tendencies to believe that something is missing or that you are not enough.
- Do what brings you joy and fulfillment.
- Remember that you are grateful. Let appreciation permeate your everyday existence.
- Be kind in your words and actions – toward yourself and everyone else.
- Orient toward giving as well as receiving.
- Know that the little things count – a lot. Be an activist for love.
- Consider the possibility that nothing is separate from anything else, that the division we perceive is an illusion, that love is the fabric of life.
From Blind to Beauty
“I feel an indescribable ecstasy and delirium in melting, as it were, into the system of being, in identifying myself with the whole of nature..”
~Jean Jacques Rousseau
When we view the world through our stories, beliefs, and ideas, we mistake the extraordinary for the ordinary. Our minds convince us that life is repetitive and mundane. Same old, same old. In truth, reality is always fresh. Life is bursting with possibility, creating itself anew in every moment. There is unspeakable beauty endlessly showing up on our doorstep. Can you see it?
- Learn to recognize all the ways you shield yourself from experiencing reality directly. (Hint: It’s usually our minds and feelings that take us away.)
- Slow it down. Notice everyone and everything as if for the first time, in detail.
- Use all five senses to experience the truth of the moment.
- Be mindful during even the most mundane tasks.
- Don’t take anything for granted.
- Recognize what remains when you stop judging, labeling, and categorizing.
When we get out of our own way, what do we discover? Truth, love, and beauty – right here at the core of our being. Embody these qualities. Live them. Lose yourself in them. It’s the most compelling choice you could ever make.
Note: This post was inspired by the teachings of Francis Lucille.
What have you discovered about living in truth, love, and beauty? I’d love to hear…
daniel lynn says
This article was perfect and just what I needed to read today to start my day. I just discovered your website a few days ago and really enjoy it.
Gail Brenner says
Welcome, Daniel! So glad you are enjoying this site. Wishing you a beautiful day!
Love, Gail
Lance says
Gail,
First off…I just love that word SPARKLE!!! And to think…our lives CAN sparkle!!! Mmmm….that’s a delicious feeling!!
This all really touches upon a lot that I’m feeling right now (although I’m not sure I always fully express that). One line that really jumped out at me – this idea of noticing everything and everyone as if for the first time. Wow!! Right now, as I sit here (at a small B&B) I’m drawn to the features of the room…ones that were brand new to me just a day ago – and now…have I forgotten that?? (already?) I’m looking with new eyes…and from my heart…at the beauty that is here (and there truly is much beauty!).
Gail, once again – thank you for helping me to see everything (and everyone) with beauty and love…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Progress Is Not Linear =-.
Gail Brenner says
Your comment makes me smile from the inside out, Lance. Thank you so much…
When we see everything as if for the first time, we are seeing things as they are. The only thing that takes us away from the freshness of each moment is the mind thinking, “Oh, I already know this.” The mind might think it knows, but reality is always new, and that newness sparkles!
It’s so beautiful to hear your insights, Lance. We so affect each other – right now I am looking around my living room (a very familiar place), and taking in the wonder of what’s around me. Thank you for that…
The Exception says
I notice a difference as to when I am on “loop” and when I am “here.” The here is me – it is real and I feel more alive. On “loop” my jaw is tense and I am more concerned with figuring out the “why” of it all over living “it.” It is almost as if I am reacting over taking action – I am the object over the subject. Things are changing as I spread my wings, find the sweet spots that much more often, and am reaching out the community at large and helping more. There is something that gives to me and increases my authenticity when I give to others – I am also giving to me… and it is a wonderful feeling.
And the simple things bring me to the here and now like nothing else the sun playing peek-a-boo through the pines; the smell of the changes vegetation and seasons; and the “progress” I the world of construction around my house.
.-= The Exception´s last blog ..She is the woman Also Known as Hope =-.
Gail Brenner says
Hi Exception,
Sounds like your life does indeed sparkle when you lose yourself in truth, love, and beauty. Giving to others takes us out of ourselves, our stories, our focus on lack. When we begin to give, we notice the abundance – the well is endless – as long as we include ourselves. I love that you are reaching out and discovering the gifts all around you. And those gifts can be so simple – sights, smells…
I see it as valuable to notice the difference between “loop” and “here.” The more we notice “loop” – the tension, the mind asking why, the sense of not being totally alive – the more we can look beyond it and realize that “here” never goes anywhere. Even in the midst of “loop,” “here” is here patiently waiting for our return.
May your wings know no bounds…
Christopher Foster says
A quiet mind simplifies. What a beautiful instruction Gail. And a quiet mind isn’t really something we have to strive for and struggle for, to be attained in some future time. It’s available to me to be known right now in this instant as I send a quiet “hello” to you across the ocean of the internet.
.-= Christopher Foster´s last blog ..One blogger’s 8 guiding principles =-.
Gail Brenner says
Thank you, Chris. I receive your “hello” in stillness. No striving, no struggle. So simple.
Sibyl - alternaview says
Gail: What a great post to read to start my day. Thank you so much for that. I really loved what you said about the need to have grounding qualities. It really is so true that we need to make certain our attention is focused on where it should be and we appreciating and seeing all the beauty around us. Thanks for the inspiration to make certain that happens today … and everyday. I really loved this post.
Gail Brenner says
Thank you so much, Sibyl. I love that this day will be one that is grounded in what is important to you.
I’m noticing exactly what you are saying in my own life recently. We always have the option of focusing our attention on the qualities that matter the most to us. And when we appreciate what is here, our lives can sparkle for sure!
Paul Reinig says
Thank you Gail. Great stuff for a world that is so often lost in the mind. I appreciate that this is available for people to see/feel. I have recently released what I call an “addiction to suffering” and as you say, it was all taking place in my mind. So I can relate to your words. All the best…
.-= Paul Reinig´s last blog ..THE GENIE IN THE BOTTLE =-.
Gail Brenner says
Hi Paul,
Welcome – great to have you stopping by.
I am celebrating with you, Paul, for releasing an addiction to suffering!! For most of us, that is not an easy thing to do, but sometimes there is a moment of truth, when you just don’t want to engage in the pattern anymore. All of our suffering takes place in the mind, as you say. Yes, there can be physical pain and difficulty – and not to minimize that, but how we hold it is all about the mind. This understanding is transformative, as you well know.
If you feel like sharing, I (and our readers) would love to know more about how you released this addiction. One person’s experience is often so helpful to others.
Glad to know you. Enjoy!!
Paul Reinig says
Hi Gail. Thanks for asking about how I released my addiction to suffering. Part of it was indeed making a conscious choice that I’d had enough of the suffering. But there is so much more to the story, which is why I write on my blog , have created a radio show to share testimony(blogtalkradio.com/mastering-true-love), and have recently released a 2 cd set as an mp3 download, specifically on how to release the addiction, called “How To Learn to Love Yourself and Bring Home Your Aspects”, which is available on my website (MasteringTrueLove.com). Thank you again for asking. I have also subscribed to your post so will certainly contribute on occasion.
.-= Paul Reinig´s last blog ..THE GENIE IN THE BOTTLE =-.
Gail Brenner says
Thanks so much, Paul. Great information.
Following Your Joy says
Hi Gail!
What I’ve discovered is that truth, love, and beauty is so much simpler and basic than many of us realize. We are good at over-complicating and over-thinking things! And like you said, it’s all about getting out of our own way…when we do that, the flow of abundance opens up and life is truly wonderful!
The more I simply allow myself to “be,” the more I am able to see and embrace that truth, love, and beauty.
Not sure if you’ve seen my friend Liv Lane’s “Choosing Beauty” blog, but it’s all about taking the time to slow down, notice, and “choose” beauty in your midst: http://www.choosingbeauty.com/
Thank you for the lovely reminder today!
.-= Following Your Joy´s last blog ..What’s Your Favorite Way To Party =-.
Gail Brenner says
Hi Michelle,
Great to hear from you! You are so right about truth, love, and beauty being simple and available. Always possible, every moment. I would invite anyone who is having a bad day or somehow lost in a dark cloud to consider – is there truth, love, beauty? These are here no matter what mood or struggle is visiting us.
I checked out your friend’s blog – so light and upbeat!
Love to you…
Gail
Deb says
Gail
Great post. Last week at sangha we talked about meditation and bringing the mind back to the awareness of the breath when it wanders. Just be aware of the wandering and come back. Your post makes me think that during the normal day, it is important to come back to the present, my mind wanders, but I just need to pull it back to the present, be aware of what is right in front of me. Be aware of my thoughts and move back to awareness of the moment. Let go of complusive thinking. Your post was a reminder to “return to myself.”
Gail Brenner says
Beautiful, Deb. When we become aware of the wandering mind and come back, we are here. Yes! And what do we notice? Some form of truth, love, and/or beauty. Right here!
The way you describe it is so simple – just become aware of the thinking and move back to awareness of the moment. I know it’s not always easy, but a reminder like this is so useful. Notice the thinking and come back. And I love how you put it – a “return to myself.”
I feel myself breathing more deeply just reading your comment. Thanks.
Eileen O'Shea says
Hi Gail,
Your post reminds me that all I have to do is wake up to what’s already present all around me. Not that it’s easy to stay awake and not go back to sleep, but every moment of awareness is a moment of pure joy. The miracle is that the joy is always right here and available to us.
Keep writing and reminding me of what’s truly important.
Gail Brenner says
Hi Eileen,
Welcome, great to see you over here! And thank you for your kind words.
Yes, this post is all about the miracle that is here. So glad you appreciated it.
Sending love…
Madeleine Kolb says
Gail, This post is a marvelous reminder of some of life’s essentials. I was particularly struck by the section on Truth and the suggestion to investigate everything you assume to be true.
This has been crucial in my own life, and it’s what led me to realize that my own experience of aging did not jibe with the conventional wisdom about a dreary decline and deterioration. Another vital reason to investigate what you assume to be true is that–by doing so–you many avoid getting caught up in a self-fulfulling prophesy. You decline because you believe that decline is inevitable.
Thank you for this illuminating post.
.-= Madeleine Kolb´s last blog ..The Right Stuff Award- Dr Kenneth Cooper =-.
Gail Brenner says
Hi Madeleine,
Welcome to you! So glad to see you over here.
The reasons you cite for investigating thoughts are right on. We don’t even realize we have a certain expectation, yet that expectation is bringing us down and defining our lives in unhappy ways. It can be very illuminating to investigate these beliefs – and realize that the truth is alive and affirming. And it’s especially important to challenge our beliefs about aging – the consequences of negative beliefs can be very extreme!
Thanks for your contribution…