Monday, September 24, 2007

Where is heaven?

There are still some scattered clouds in the sky above El Triple.
Remnants of what was first a hurricane, then a tropical storm and eventually some minor wind and rain.

The excitement of the need to evacuate El Triple and find shelter at La Ballena has subsided.
Yesterday the tarpaulins protecting the Fuso Szulc against the salty winds were put back in place after they had been put down and stored the day before.
Rather ironic and crazy this 2-hour job, like the neurotic behaviour of a patient in a madhouse, but with hurricanes it is wise to be cautious.
Better to be prepared just in case dramatic natural phenomenons do happen than to be hesitant and timid.

One fabulous result of all the meteorological turbulence of the last days is that the temperature of the ocean water is very high now.
It is a fantastic experience to dive into the water and to be surrounded by such warm liquid.
However, the waves are still big and strong because of the recent storm.
Before one knows a wave knocks one off the feet.
Or a strong current pulls the person away from the beach.
This is rather scary.
As was almost fatally experienced in Puerto Escondido in the south of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean can be a cruel and mortal enemy.
Therefore bathing is with much caution as no lifeguard is on duty on the beach of El Triple.

Now that 18 days are spent here and the effects of the retreat are becoming stronger and stronger, one aspect is becoming more and more dominant.
It is the self-confrontation.
This meeting with oneself, as one really is, focuses on a delicate question:

“Why are you here?”

There are many answers to that question and they can be divided into two categories.

The evading and simple answers.
For example:
  • To get a tan.
  • To live healthy and to get in shape.
  • To get away from the crazy world.
  • To remember all the lovers and partners.
  • To enjoy tranquillity and pure nature.

The confrontational and psychological answers.
For example:
  • To work out the issues in life.
  • To progress on the way to enlightenment.
  • To go through the emotions of past experiences.
  • To find balance and harmony.
  • To be able to be angry without hurting anyone.

But guess what eventually an extended retreat is making the ascetic believe and understand:
it is all nonsense what one thinks about life.


All these simple and complicated answers to the question of why someone is somewhere are simply illusions and games of the mind.

One is here.
In this case El Triple.
Getting completely out of thinking.
And into simply being.
To be amazed, surprised and enjoyed by everything that wants to happen.

To be.
Just that.

No more questions.
No more answers needed.

As the band Traffic sings:
“Guiding your visions to heaven
and heaven is in your mind”.







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