August 05th, 2017

​Is-ness

I was clearing out a closet filled with journals when I came across a small spiral notebook from 1994 filled with notes on healing work and workshops I’d created.  There were also several reflections. This one stood out.  It began:

“It’s all a prayer – slowly come to rest – close your eyes and focus on your breathe, your heart beat. Hear the song on silence – embrace the mystery of you.”

And it continued:

During a meditation retreat, the meditation instructor shared with the group that we were “as is.” As is. We had just completed 2 ½ hours in “the now,” in our bodies, by being still, making assessments, all while balancing our bodies and minds. As is. We dealt with, or at least addressed, our weaknesses and acknowledged what we had discovered. Instead of beating ourselves up, we adjusted, gave ourselves permission for much-needed self-love, and moved forward. As is. This was not the “seconds” rack in a department store or the flawed discounted tag. It was not that “As Is” section at Ikea where you can sift through the damaged, discounted, and destroyed, but possibly salvageable, goods. 

As is. Perfect as we are right now. And we aren’t so bad, after all. As is. This is most difficult journey we will ever take, this as is. Because when we accept as is as being something worth our time, we can joyously take our next steps.  We realize we feel taller, stronger, centered, lighter, more beautiful, flexible, as if we could dance all night. As is.

And guess what? The next time might not be as perfect as it feels right now. We might not be able to touch our toes or balance on one leg or move without fear. Yet, there will be something different.  This point of is-ness or being present enough is to notice that we could hold the tree pose a little bit longer and that our hands are closer to our ankles when we reach for our toes.  Or even better, we made a slight physical adjustment and suddenly we are able to move or dance like we are the only one in the room. That is is-ness.  That third person singular present indicative of be. Is-ness.

So, what is this is-ness?  Simply living in the present. All we have is now. Our is-ness. As is.