Evoking

Visualize

Photos by Don Pierce.

Visualization is a twofold process of introspection and imagination. By adding introspection to the visualization of expansion and contraction one may conclude that there is consciousness and bliss in empty space. By focusing on the expansion, contraction and emptiness of all things––from you yourself to the universe––the sense of oneness will naturally grow.

Visualization is a twofold process: 1) introspection of images as they are presented randomly to the mind and 2) purposeful stimulation of visual images through imagination. Either way, Heartwood Path pilgrims are encouraged to focus on visual images that concern expansion and contraction. All created things expand and eventually contract repeatedly. Examples of this pulsation can be seen in many ways, including: the sun, stars, galaxies, life forms, the act of respiration, and the sexual act. Along with expansion and contraction, another recommended topic for the last stage of one’s spiritual development is the visualization of emptiness. Everything can be visualized as being mostly empty; empty of matter and substance, mostly consisting of unoccupied blankness. Examples of this visualization include the human body that, when magnified greatly, is seen as full of empty space; and the universe that, when viewed through a telescope, is seen as an empty expanse.

Here is why expansion, contraction, and emptiness is so important to those who follow the Heartwood Path or other pathways to enlightenment. When one adds introspection to the visualization of expansion, contraction, and emptiness a mental conclusion eventually emerges that is crucial: in empty space there is consciousness and bliss. It is this bliss, this great happiness, this amazing joy that constitutes the uncommon happiness that so wonderfully supports those who work for sustainability. By focusing on the expansion, contraction and emptiness of all things––from you yourself to the universe—the beneficial sense of oneness will naturally grow. Tapping into this oneness of the universe is beneficial because it allows one to replenish the body, the mind, and Spirit in ways never before imagined. As one focuses on the breathing––just one good way to feel the results–– the expansion and contraction of the lungs and the emptiness––the awareness of the felt sense at the beginning and ending of each breath of a mental state containing little or no concepts clears out the mental objects that block our blissful connection to the whole. This emptiness—this awareness—is always there but usually forgotten in the hubbub of daily life. This bliss makes all the work of going down the Heartwood Path, and all the effort of being alive, worth the exertion. There may be bliss of fragrance, bliss of sight, bliss of touch, and so on. These forms of bliss are impermanent and not what we are looking for in this waypoint, although they can be a good intermediate way to enlightenment. We are here foreshadowing what will be found at a latter point along the Heartwood Path, when one feels the compulsion to take a peak at the conditions of sageness, the marriage of bliss and emptiness. This coupling is important, for bliss without emptiness is little more than indulgent sensuality.

Compassion and joy mark the latter stages in one’s possible development. These positive emotions support one’s saintly endeavors as an enduring eartHeart. But if one wants to take it a step further, and we will do so along the Heartwood Path in at least temporary peaks, then mediation without form––emptiness––will be required. For now, however, just know that brief peaks at emptiness are important and coming, but focus mostly on the various topics and activities having to do with mediation on form––its impermanence, its contractions, and its expansions (which lead to saintliness).

To The Sixth Of Many Touchstones Of People-Nature Interfacing…

HumaNatureConnect Activity

Generating Patterns Of Human-Nature Interaction # 6: Moving Away From Human Settlement And Return

For this activity, move yourself away from human settlement and return after you feel connected to your chosen attractive natural being. In doing this interaction pattern, you could thinking about having the virtual experience by watching a television show (a perverse interaction pattern) or you could be thinking about taking a day hike through a regional park (a domestic interaction pattern). By choosing instead to think about embarking or, better yet, actually embark on a three day vision quest in a remote wilderness area (a wild interaction) you are doing something that has a more positive psychological affect on you.

In your journal, write down what meaning you would derive from this wild interaction pattern; what joy, if any, it would produce; how, if at all, it would build within you a bond between your mind and nature; and how, if at all, the wild version of this interaction pattern would be better for you than the perverse or domestic instantiation of the same interaction pattern; and how not being allowed to participate in this sort of wild interaction pattern––embarking on a vision quest in nature––would make you feel? How does interacting in this way in the presence of your attractive natural being make you feel? How would it feel to have this interaction without the presence of your attractive natural being? Not knowing what to say to this question is a hint that you may not be spending enough time in the presence of natural beings for these activities. One can speak best of what one is missing after the loss, real or imagined, takes place. What needs to be said is similar to what would be said if you could not go to a party with your lover, or to a movie with a friend, or to church with your family. There would probably be a sense of missing the company of your partner, of feeling that the experience would be complete or fruitful if experienced with a loved one. The experience may seem shallow or dull without the company of an attractive being. You may also sense that the meaning of the experience is lowered without the give and take of feelings, vibes, or words that can only be experienced when in the company of another being. The fun of the event may be diminished without someone to share it with. Expressing how you would feel if you could not be with someone adds to the chances that you will be more diligent in seeking out shared experiences in the future. In writing down these responses you will be adding to our collective nature language, so important to rekindling the bond between humans and nature. Look over your impressions and think about them as you fall asleep tonight before dreaming.

Nocturnal Pilgrimage

After dreaming, wake up slowly. Nothing will kill the memory of your dreams faster than waking up too rapidly.

Set a slow pace by restricting your movements as much as possible upon walking. Only after a motionless period of dream reflection, begin to tend to your dreams.