Presence

 Beginning of Philosophy is to know the condition of one's mind 

Epictetus - pg.86 , Stoic Six Pack

Philosophy begins as you move from the gross body to the subtle body.

How do you do that? Through everyday practice of contemplation and reflection.

Writing is the best means to contemplate..write what ? you may ask ? 

Write about your thoughts on purpose - Why do I exist? 

"To care about everything I do" can be a purpose ...something bigger than you - that is unselfish and carried you to the spiritual plane - that makes you look forward to the day!

Its easier said than done ...the purpose thing! especially as we are caught in the whirlpool of the day's events - but essentially we need the purpose -the North Star to navigate this swirls - 

Walking is another way to reflect and contemplate - i mean walking alone - without iPods and phones blaring music into ears - however soothing they may be - 

Contemplation is not about the external noise / music blaring into you ....contemplating is essentially hearing your inner signals!

Shifting from the gross to the subtle is as delicate as the forcing the thread through the needle eye !