don’t lose yourself in the senses
One of the profound spiritual lessons we can learn for working and living to our highest capacity is: “Keep thoughts of sense-enjoyment in check.” You must always ensure that you have a focused, non-distracted mind.
The Sanskrit term for this state of mind is Ekagrata, meaning "one-pointed" or "single-minded." It is the state of singular focus and unwavering dedication to a specific object or task, characterized by undivided concentration and complete attentiveness. In the practice of yoga, this state is attained through regular meditation or abhyasa. By cultivating ekagrata, practitioners are able to eliminate all disturbances and distractions from their consciousness. Moreover, in yoga, ekagrata plays a vital role in maintaining a tranquil and centered state of mind.
“We are not human beings in search of a spiritual experience,” Wayne Dyer said, “We are spiritual beings emersed in a human experience.”
You must understand that you are not restricted to your senses and the information they convey to you. No. You’re limitless, you’re way beyond your sensory perception. You are a child of the Lord, and so, you must perceive yourself as a conscious being of the nature of the Divine.
The act of experiencing and finding pleasure in various things, such as eating delicious food, watching an enjoyable film or streaming series, inhaling the pleasant scent of incense, and listening to beautiful music, involves engaging all your senses. Of course, these senses serve as instruments for different forms of enjoyment. However, it is crucial to recognize that the ultimate recipient of enjoyment lies within you: the witness. It is the observer, representing the highest level of consciousness. Therefore, never mistake yourself for the senses.
Beyond being the one who hears music, there exists the observer, the pure consciousness. Beyond being the one who breathes fragrance, there exists the observer, the pure consciousness. Similarly, beyond being the one who consumes food, the essence of pure consciousness remains. You may refer to this essence as your atman, soul, or spirit. Thus, when you are engrossed in watching a movie in the theater, remind yourself that it is merely a narrative, a story. Life is not too different, it’s a story as well. Avoid becoming too absorbed in the narrative itself and losing touch with the underlying reality.
As author and spiritual guide Pranay advises, “Enjoy all things with the senses, but remember to control yourself, be non-distracted, and not get lost in the senses. Getting lost in the senses is the cause of all misery. It is the cause of all lapses in energy.”
