Returning to Grasping

     Sometimes Grasping is Entirely Necessary

          I am no longer in the state of mind that I was in when I last wrote... I feel much more in control of my life.  How?  Through constant re-focusing and decisiveness.  What do I want now?  I ask myself this question almost all the time.  I keep an active mind and body, for a "rolling stone gathers no moss," and when I stay active, I may be distracted from what may seem to others as inapproriate behavior.  What behavoir would seem inapproriate, you ask?  Well, detachment from reality... read by some as disrespect... understood by myself as engaging in life's passions, knowledge, and fun! (thank you, RB!)

          An Indian teacher named Ramakrishna Paramahansa writes about such detchment.  For him, it comes in the form of what some western doctors may call "catatonia."  He has searched for answers from the universe, and feels at one with his spiritual guide, who he calls "Blissful Mother," and who stirkes me as being omniscient.  The following quote really pulls me towards clarity, and speaks of what I call "re-focusing:"

         "The natural tendency of this (my) mind is upwards (towards the nirvikalpa state). Once that is reached, it does not like to come down. For your (disciples') sake I drag it down perforce. Downward pull is not strong enough without a lower desire. So I create some trifling desires, for instance, for smoking, for drinking water, for tasting a particular dish, or for seeing a particular person, and repeatedly suggest them to my mind. Then alone the mind slowly comes to the body. Again, while coming down, it may run back upward. Again it has to be dragged down through such desires." 
(I found this quote on a page forwarded to me by my saintly godbrother, Smith Donoghue of Chicago: http://www.lifepositive.com/spirit/god/mystics.asp)
       Why must one who has connected to such a strong life force work to remain alive?  I know from my experience that physical objects, such as make-up items, vases, sheets, and lamps help me to anchor myself in reality.  I am here now, I am of this world, I am grateful for..... make a list!  It can be as simple as "(I am grateful for) sunflower seeds, salt, windows, shelter, company..." and it can be as immense as "the mystery that unfolds as I live each day with my eyes open to myself and the world."