#19 - Between Breaths: Embracing Life's Transitions and the Beauty of No-thingness
Travel has a magical way of transforming us. But some journeys go beyond the realm of sightseeing and exploring new cultures. They take us into the depths of our own psyche, challenging our perceptions of reality, life, and existence. This is the story of one such journey.Embracing PisacAfter a draining 24 hours of travel, I found myself in the picturesque town of Pisac, Peru. Nestled amidst the Andes Mountains at an altitude close to 3,000 meters, Pisac captivated me instantly. The sprawling mountainous terrain wasn't just a sight for sore eyes; it was a balm for the weary soul.It's hard to put into words the sensation I felt as I looked around. It was as if the mountains, with their majestic presence, beckoned me to dissolve into them. All the routines, all the worries I carried with me from Europe, suddenly felt trivial. The ground beneath me seemed to vanish, leaving me in a free fall. My ego scrambled, trying desperately to cling to notions that seemed more imagined than real. The experience was unsettling, akin to the feeling of dissolving or even a metaphorical death. But it was also one of transitioning into something unknown yet profound.Finding BardoThis sensation resonated deeply with the Buddhist concept of ‘Bardo’. In Buddhism, Bardo refers to being in a transitional state. While it can be the gap between death and rebirth, it is also the transition between any past moment and the future one. Essentially, each present moment offers an opportunity to let go of old patterns and embrace the new. The sixth stage, the Bardo of becoming, specifically speaks about the challenging period between dying and rebirth. A period that's particularly tumultuous if one hasn't practiced mental equanimity.It's like breathing. To take in a new breath, one must first exhale. In life too, to embrace new experiences, one must first let go of the old. The path of life is continuous, moving ever onward.The Beauty of No-thingnessWhile navigating this inner turmoil, I chanced upon teachings by Osho about 'No-thingness'. He spoke about the disorienting nature of being 'in the gap', where there's no direction or certainty. This space of pure potential existed before the universe came into being. It's a space where all things are possible but none have manifested yet. Osho's teachings emphasized relaxing into this void, watching the silent spaces between words and breaths. For in these gaps, lies the potential for something sacred to emerge.Mother Ayahuasca’s RevelationsIn this quest for understanding and healing, I was introduced to Mother Ayahuasca. That night was transformative, filled with visions of death and rebirth. At one point, I felt paralyzed, a pressure building inside, yet there was no fear. As I surrendered, I saw molecular shapes and felt an omnipresent entity scanning me, looking for wounds, blockages, and traumas. This entity, Mother Ayahuasca, worked in tandem with me to purge the negativity.Post this purge, it was a rebirth. I saw my mother and for the first time, truly fathomed the depth of motherly love - pure and unconditional. It was a tearful revelation of the sacrifices she made and the lessons she imparted, even unknowingly.A New BeginningMy journey to Pisac, while physically short-lived, left an indelible mark on my soul. Whether it was the teachings of Buddhism, Osho, or the experiences with Mother Ayahuasca, the core message was clear: Life is about transitions. About letting go, healing, and embracing the new. But it's also about living, being, and cherishing the present moment.In the end, while we can continually seek healing and knowledge, we mustn't forget to live. To create, love, inspire, and shape our world. For in living, we find our true purpose. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.howtounreasonable.com