The Power Of Subtlety

We all know that the person who calls attention to themselves the most, the person who brags the most does not necessarily have the most to say.  The same is true of the emotions that scream out to us and keep us up at night. The emotions that we feel the strongest are not the ones that lead best. Most people feel fear, anger and judgement intensely, but these feelings are not our friends. 

Consider the fact that subtlety is  more powerful than intensity. The ability to focus on the subtle in the midst of the intense is called self mastery. Your ability to focus your attention on what you would choose, rather than being transfixed by our history is the power to change. Gradually, like building muscular strength we can build become mindful and awake. You can not pay attention to what is most subtle and be preoccupied at the same time.

One great tool in this is called “the two minutes of silence.” I suggest to my clients that they do this three times a day. It is a powerful micro practice. Simply take two minutes and pay as close attention as you can in the moment you are. Notice details, the crack in the ceiling, the faint smell of incense. What ever you can notice. Notice things that no one else will. 

This is a very powerful practice, and one that you will get better at over time. Do not forget to notice elements like what emotions you are feeling in the background. Often in the midst of noticing some element in the present you will be transported to another moment of your life like smelling cookies and suddenly remembering your grandmother's home.

When Clark Kent is present, Superman is present. When Superman is present, Clark Kent is present. The same is true for us and joy. If we are present , joy is present. If we are not present, joy is not present. If you are not feeling much joy in life these days you know you are spending a good deal of time preoccupied. The two minutes of silence is an easy way to change your life. Why not do it now?