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Michael Joel Hall

After seven years or so years of practice, I wondered to myself “where are th…

After seven years or so years of practice, I wondered to myself “where are the mystics? The wizened ones? The enlightened? Those that had reached the highest states of yoga?” ⁣⁣
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In the interest of believing by seeing, i set off on a journey to find the ones who knew the methods that would bring about samadhi— because it had been attained. I had a hard time understanding why I knew so many yogis with so little experience of yoga. ⁣⁣
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Along the way I learned that enlightenment is a wisdom - truth state that is available to absolutely anyone willing and able to put in the work that will lead to it. ⁣⁣
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I learned that our ability to stay in the state of samadhi, of deep intertwinement with all things, can come easily but to keep it requires both great discipline and great relinquishing. ⁣⁣
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I learned that in fact, it is nothing special. ⁣⁣
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I learned most of all that I didn’t know how to look for what I was looking for. The folks I sought were hiding in plain sight. ⁣⁣
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Here’s something you must understand: these states of consciousness are available on day one, if only for a fleeting second. ⁣⁣
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In fact, it is in our efforts to track as many sensation patterns as we can in that fleeting second that we develop the concentration skills to enter these states. ⁣⁣
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If you want it, you can have it. ⁣⁣
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I do not guard the secrets, I do not gatekeep these altered states. These consciousness states are for everyone— after all, when the tide comes in, all boats are lifted. ⁣⁣
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Let’s be clear: I can not say that I am enlightened, but I can say for sure that I have tasted the nectar of these practices. ⁣⁣
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I now want nothing more than to share what i have learned and to continue learning. ⁣⁣
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Real yoga promises abiding peace and freedom and so much more to all devoted aspirants; and all that is required is to try. These are very good reasons to practice. ⁣⁣
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Best of all, you absolutely should not take my word for it. If it is true, all of this will become self evident. Pick your guide wisely, and give it a try— you will see the evidence of its brilliance. My journey continues.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 · 6:18 am
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