refuge

REFUGE

Refuge, a word we most likely do not think of very much these days, although, a word of the most importance. Refuge is something we are taught at birth and then it is ripped from most of us in today's be fast social fabric. Substituting this social fabric in place of real refuge has shown up not only in sub-cultures but, also in medical problems, which panic attacks are a first line symptom. Our psyche overreacts without known shelter and then we are victimized (from within) without realizing what has happened around us all these years.

Let's think back to our first refuge of the womb, from there, when it is time, we enter this world where we are confronted by what could seem like a nitemare. Our first refuge in this world is a "BLANKET." Hopefully we are then given much care and loving kindness. We are also given a warm bed to sleep in and warm arms to hold us. We feel very comfortable and secure, knowing we are safe in the loving arms and hear the soft voice and smiling face that is also part of our refuge.

As we grow older, we lose some the refuge we had when we were younger and much of it is replaced by other kinds of refuge but, we still keep the blanket and bed that we know has been our refuge since entering this world. If this does not ring any bells, think about someone trying to yank your blanket away- or view someone else having their blanket yanked away. Not many people would stand to let this happen.

In the world now a days, a good strong refuge is a must if we are to survive in these days of stress, corporate vampires (which do drain our emotions without us realizing it) and a feeling that we don't know where to turn. A world where authoritative agencies that once protected the citizens have now become a non-profit- profitable entity.

SOUND BLEAK? Not really, if we have good refuge and keep ourselves centered, we may realize this has always been the way it has been. It has just become more aggressive and open these days of faster and better communication and travel. When we think back about it, there has always been stress throughout history.

That being out of the way, let's now, start to define our refuge. Starting with our self and our character and belief structure. The inner refuge that we must have if we are to cross the finish line in this game of life. When we have personal refuge, we always have a place to relax and feel sheltered no matter how cold the outside is. Without this shelter, the world gets cold quick and we sometimes do things we would not ordinarily do. Do you remember feeding a hungry dog or other pet- and then trying to takes its food away.

Self reflection, meditation, character analysis, does not matter what we want to call it- is an excellent way to build personal refuge. From there a greater refuge begins to surround us and we begin knowing ourselves and our refuge and also our friends that are included in our refuge. Soon we realize, should our car break down in the race of life, we would be capable of pushing the car over the finish line. No matter what- we would finish.

For myself, just sitting in the half lotus position and relaxing, a position where any worry is instantly gone, not needing to meditate, is enough to make me feel very happy and relaxed.

Of course, I do meditate in this position at least an hour a day, almost every day for many years.

As some might say: The rice is cooked and in the bowl, all we need to do is eat it.

JEA

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