Thus, we see that in any given moment, there is a spectrum of choices before us. When we perceive them and then consciously choose in the right direction, the conditions of life quickly turn in our favor. On the other hand, if we fail to choose rightly, then life remains in stasis, or falls back. It is thus in those precious moments when all the world waits on our choice that determines whether or not we will invoke the miraculous.

There is also one other point to consider. Not only can we evoke life response by understanding the current conditions and choosing correctly, but we can do so at any moment in time, “on demand.” In this way, life response can become our never-ending reality.

Inner Orientation

And yet to achieve this lofty goal, several issues need to be addressed. First, how can we have the mindfulness and wherewithal to perceive the possibilities before us? And second, even if we had this capacity, how do we know which choice is the best one to make?

It turns out that we can resolve both issues if we make the effort to reorient the way we live our lives. If we examine how we function, we will see that we are normally caught up in the visual and auditory influences taking shape in front of us; by the surface information that is streaming into our minds through our five senses. As a result, we tend to focus on objects, colors, and motion; instead of concepts, ideas, and insights. With limited knowledge of the current conditions, we are unable to make the right choices that will trigger life response events.

If I am at the checkout line at the supermarket and focus only on the physical movement of the people in front of me, I will miss other information presenting itself in that moment. E.g., I may not catch the fact that I am getting impatient, or that the person ahead of me is having trouble loading items onto the conveyer belt, or that the cashier is overwhelmed with too many customers. That in turn prevents me from taking to inner or outer actions that can evoke a response.

However, if I were stationed in a deeper poise within -- in a state of stillness and calm -- I would be less likely to be taken in by the surface influences and more attuned to the truths unfolding before me. With this more complete understanding, I am more likely to take right actions that will attract immediate response. E.g., I would allow the person behind me to move ahead of me, or suggest to an elderly person that they use the empty adjacent checkout stand, or I would take control of my own irritation. As a result of these inner and outer behaviors, life will tend to quickly respond: e.g. the jammed food conveyer belt suddenly starts working; or several extra baggers suddenly arrive on the scene; or an expensive product I put in my cart now turns out to be on sale.