The Kel Word: In Remembrance

I enjoyed a pleasantly lengthy causerie with a very wise woman the other day about all manner of things — money, kids, dogs, and what not. Eventually, we meandered our way into matters of Spirit. We're both meditators and we share a lineage of teachers. She, however, knew and studied under our current teacher's teacher. Our discussion chased a number of rabbit trails about various spiritual practices before she finally said that there's really only one that matters: Did you remember God today?

Indian Yogic tradition theorizes that whatever you are feeling, thinking, experiencing at your moment of death dictates your next life. Tibetan Buddhists believe that, after we leave our bodies, our spirits traverse three bardo states that are meant to test us. Some Christians (as far as I remember) are fairly sure their earthly deeds determine their entry to heaven or hell. Whatever the case, constant remembrance of God during our lives will surely serve us well in those quick-fire challenges.

I've had it happen that, in split-second moments of crisis, the words that rise up are either sacred or profane. Considering what's possibly at stake, I much prefer when sacred syllables emerge from my panicked lips. However, just as often as not, it's more along the lines of 'motherfucker' or the like. I can't control it, though I think I might like to start some training exercises. I really don't want to be reborn as, you know, a motherfucker. In fact, I really don't want to be reborn at all. I'm tired.

Remembering God can take any form that works for you. Maybe it's repeating the Rosary or sitting in silence. It might be a mezuzah, a mantra, or a medallion. Perhaps it's turning your face to the sun or hugging a tree to express your gratitude. For me, it's a combination of things from various traditions. I meditate and do mantra repetition, but I also always try to say thank you to trees and flowers because I don't think they hear that enough.

Whatever God means to you, wherever God resides for you, however God appears to you... honoring that for even a moment each day might just be the thing that makes all the difference. Unless you want to come back as a [insert favorite curse word here].