Don’t Miss the Message

The Sanskrit word suksma has a range of meanings such as subtle, insignificant, minute, unimportant, small, fine, thin and intangible. Suksma reveals that what may appear as minor or much too subtle to warrant our attention is actually a profound doorway to an inner world rich with hidden treasures. Many powerful gateways to health, happiness and well-being are right here, in minute details that often get overlooked.

Just One Breath! 

One example is the miracle of a simple breath which is so obviously important to our continued existence but yet, we so often ignore it. When we attempt to place our attention squarely on the breath and keep it there for even a minute or two, the simple practice becomes a big deal. It’s tricky to maintain without consistent practice and patience.

Take a Hike!

Walking in the sunshine on a beautiful day, the warmth nourishes our cells, lifts our mood and provides greater vitality. The sun that grows plants and animals and becomes a part of us as we receive the energy through our skin and eating the food is an incredible gift that we may be vaguely aware of before the next “more important” matter grabs our attention.

A Sacred Gift

The soft whisper or touch from a loved one may be very fine while generating the power to stir the heart and ignite a flame of desire. This subtle and sacred gift takes up no space whatsoever yet is everywhere all the time, inside the tiniest space and encompassing vast cosmic territory.

The Value of Paying Attention

Any small movement of the body, any inspired idea, any conscious moment of breathing sends more and more pleasure from small electrical sensations flashing through the body like lightning. Turning attention to the smallest flicker helps to maintain the connection to the subtle and may be the most significant method to restore health and happiness. Noting the slight tension in the jaw and shoulders may be the first sign of stress as you strive to complete the project at work.  That small scratchy feeling in the throat may signal the beginning of a cold, The inspiration to call your colleague that you’ve admired may connect the two of you in a successful business venture down the road. Paying close attention to the small signals steer us to take better care of our health, ease the stress and foster intimacy in relationships.

Simple Steps and a New Perspective

Attention is as subtle as mist but can move mountains. A single breath, heart-felt emotion or a strong desire for change can be the first of many baby steps that begin a long journey to live with kindness toward ourselves and others. This new perspective may not seem to have much impact initially, but over a thousand steps, we make great progress in our own health, happiness and may give others permission to do the same for themselves too.