The heightened state of consciousness loosely described as “enlightenment” may be attained in any given moment. Enlightenment is simply the act of being (absolutely) present in any given moment. Arguably, enlightenment and (absolute) presence—completely focused upon the present moment (not past or future)—are the same phenomenon. Unfortunately it is not so easy to be (absolutely) present in any given moment. In fact, attainment of the capacity to be (absolutely) present in any given moment may take lifetimes to achieve.
Since all that exists is the present moment—as so-called past is merely subjective recollection of prior moments, and so-called future is merely subjective speculation—enlightenment is simply complete focus in the present moment, which is tantamount to being completely immersed in the soul, rather than ego. Why? Because soul focuses only upon the present moment, and ego focuses only upon so-called future and so-called past.
How do we access the present moment (i.e., experience enlightenment)? By transcending the distracted monkeymind (profane, lower vibration aspect of mind). How do we transcend the lower mind— i.e., access higher mind (a/k/a soul)? Easier said than done! There are many paths and this is the key.
We begin this process by observing, understanding, and transcending our emotional reactivity, and by releasing stagnant emotions. This helps to energetically cleanse and open the lower chakras. And we bolster the process of attaining higher consciousness by maintaining a daily practice of meditation (stillness). Both the processes of releasing stagnant emotion and meditating are innately supported by walking the walk—doing your “work”—to cleanse and vitalize (tonify) the bodymind by, for example, maintaining a practice of yoga, tai chi (qi gong), emotional release methods, etc.
All that exists is now. To be completely immersed in this moment is to be enlightened.
Andrew
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