Just Ask

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Guest Post by Dennis Ernst

As I was awakening one morning, still in the in-between state of not really being awake or asleep, I realized that my life has been an adventure in “experiencing”. There are more than a few teachers, gurus, and scientists who think that experiencing is consciousness. That’s a pretty interesting concept in itself. Yes, my life is about my experiences in this human state of consciousness.

In order to have an experience, I must form a relationship with what I am experiencing. Relationships are the framework of all my experiences. Anything I put my attention on to any degree, forms a relationship with it. Relationships are not a one-way street, but are experienced as a two-way exchange which creates the experience.

Before I had time to think about this, an image, a metaphor, began to form and soon I found myself in a workshop looking at a big shiny tool box. Wow, it was a nice one, and I was already wondering what amazing tools it might contain. My reverie was interrupted by the presence of a teacher I had been working with in my dream.

He said, “I’m glad you noticed the tool box. I put it here for you. You have reached the point in your development where you can put this to good use. I have put all kinds of tools in it for you and feel free to use any of them at any time. If you don’t know how to use one of the tools or know what it is for, just ask.” With that, he vanished from my awareness.

I could hardly wait to open the toolbox and start exploring what was inside. It was very well crafted and contained many compartments, drawers, and holders for all the tools. This was really amazing. I hardly knew where to start.

I picked up one that was in it’s own cubbyhole, one I had never seen before. Somehow, it did have a strange familiarity to it. I’m not just sure what it really looked like, but it seemed to have a bit of a warm golden glow about it that was attracting my attention. For a moment, I was puzzled, but then I remember what my teacher had said: ”Just ask.”

I held the tool in my hands and inwardly ask my teacher what it was and what to do with it? His presence soon filled the space around me. I could see his big grim, as he said, “Oh, that one is for enjoyment.” It took a moment for that to sink in. I then asked, “how does this work and how do you use it?”

The answer soon came—this was a tool to enhance my attention. I would have to choose to use it in order for it to work. Any time I put my attention on something, forming a relationship with it, I would apply “enjoyment.” Hmmmm….

After fully awakening and starting my day, I thought about this tool and how I might use it. As I sipped my morning coffee, I made the effort to really notice it and enjoy it as much as I could. Right away I noticed the coffee seemed to taste better and the moment felt much richer. Imagine what my experience of this day might be like if I applied this same tool to every moment!

I realized that I would see more beauty in the world around me, the good in all the people I would meet, while negative opinions, fear, pain, and discomfort just might melt away. By enjoying each moment for what it was rather than rendering an opinion, my experience would shift dramatically. I wondered how much I could enjoy each moment and how much I could expand this enjoyment if I used this tool regularly. I recognized, too, that my enjoyment of each moment also brings a change in what I put my attention on, it’s a two-way street.

I reflected back on my awakening that morning and the waking dream or metaphor of the toolbox. I remembered how it was my choice to work with a teacher and the relationship I built with that teacher, that had brought the experience of the shop and the toolbox. 

Everything I need is in each moment whether I choose to recognize it or not. I have the power to create the relationship I choose with each experience. My relationship with my teacher is simple: “Just Ask.”

The toolbox will always be there for me and I can revisit it at any time. If you need help or just want to feel creative, just ask!

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Dennis Ernst is a retired Professional Land Surveyor who now devotes his time to sharing the natural beauty he finds on his many treks through photography, blogs, and poetry. Please visit his website, Dennis Ernst Photography, for a glimpse into his fascinating world.