Behaving correctly in situations

A seemingly “positive” action which causes a negative effect is not positive, and vice versa. We must be careful with the implications of our actions. Even if we are operating from a position of non-dualism and clear-mindedness, it is easy to hurt others who are not experiencing life in this way. So, it is best to see the ultimate reality of every situation, and the reality as it appears to others. We must share love from our hearts, along with what we believe to be true, while not forcing. It is never good to force. To do so is like ploughing the ocean, as Simón Bolivar so eloquently put it. This is true both in physical and non-physical matters, from lifting exercises to interactions with members of the opposite sex. Always better to act in accordance with the natural flow of things than to stress, to try too hard. We feel intuition for a reason. One can easily sense when a date is going wrong. Likewise, if one cannot perform a physical action, such as sitting for a long period, to force oneself to do so is foolish. There is no correct meditation posture. One should feel like a mountain, grounded yet alert, and do so in a way that compliments his or her own physical capabilities. From posture, the body, we move on to the mental realm. One should never force a meditation, or practice, or a belief upon himself. This is totally against the point. The point is to feel loving kindness, relaxation, spaciousness, understanding, and wisdom within oneself. If the practice does not provide this after you have thoroughly investigated it, it should be discarded and a new practice sought. Tradition is important because it provides the example of many others who have achieved levels of understanding superior to ours, but one should seek out practices and traditions that resonate with him. External substances and situations can provide temporary, fleeting moments and tastes of ecstasy and bliss, but the true happiness always comes from inside – these people, places, drinks, etc only bring it out.