Instruments

      When you think of an instrument, you generally think of a musical one. The instruments that are most commonly used for entertainment are the ones that come to mind most easily simply because of their familiarity. We're used to the way they are played and how they sound and we know that depending on the artist's skill, it can be played well or not that which we'd enjoy hearing. If we are able to play one of those instruments then we are aware of the practice and skill that goes into playing it well. We're also aware that these instruments are played either for pleasure or for others' pleasure or as a career. There are, however, many other instruments around us each and every day. These instruments can also be played with skill or played for pleasure, and in some cases, they, too, are a career for a few. The problem is that the availability of these instruments are there for all, but few bother to learn to play them.

      The main instrument you have is your mind. Your mind is constantly busy, thinking, receiving, processing, reviewing, learning and at the same time your subconscious mind, the hidden one, is receiving and tabulating and adding to a concensus of opinion which it will act upon. We generally take our minds for granted. When we are tired or burdened with stress we may be aware that our minds are not functioning as they should, but for the most part, we expect them to work.

      The mind is a wonderful instrument. It is a creative instrument and it can expand its capabilities to unknown lengths. We speak of someone having a sharp mind, or an inquisitive mind, or a shrewd mind. We put labels on people's minds when actually, they cannot be labeled. A mind is like a child learning to walk. It is a step by step process and then it is taken for granted. The more learned among us take steps to make sure that the mind stays sharp and deliberately educate it by obtaining new knowledge. The more spiritual among us realize that the mind needs rest. They know that the constantly step by step, word by word repetition of the mind is necessary, but they know that sleep in itself is not enough to refresh and rest the mind. We all need quiet time. We need to pause at some point and let our mind coast, slow down, and relax from its frenetic pace. We need to recognize that any instrument must be taken care of to allow it to perform at its best. Though we are born with different capabilities, the instrument of the mind can be used to access many areas and informative and enlightening experiences that can enlarge our range of skills. Why are more people not doing this? Perhaps they do not know. Perhaps they don't have the patience, or perhaps it takes too much practice. It is the skilled musician who has spent time in learning step by step, note by note. It is the skilled practitioner who realizes the mind is an instrument and uses it well. In the future we will discuss how to use the mind more fully and more completely. For now, let us just say that you can begin by taking five minutes to give your mind a break ....find a quiet spot and just coast...that's all, no exercise, no meditation, just take a break Don't expect anything, don't look for anything, just be. As you take your 'breaks', you will find that you become more comfortable just 'being'. That is the first step. After that, you can begin to take the second step which is practicing patience and learning to still the mind. Now who among you are going to make good instruments?