Later recognised as an existentialist prodigy in his pre-teens, James Kemp diligently, fiercely and bombastically hurled himself at life in a search for truth, hoping to find an end to the frightening misery of Einstein's "illusion of separation" from the rest of all life.
After undertaking decades of research, philosophy, theology, insight meditation (vipassana), a range of men's work, cutting edge personal development, mindfulness, psychotherapy (hakomi), tarot, tao and tantra. It was while embodying life's struggle and yearn for the solace of direct knowing of our deepest reality (at 5-rhythm dance), James let go of actively trying to look... ok, tear through reality to find truth, and in letting go of seeking, slipped the obscuring activity of the grasping mind, and witnessed the truth within – and through – and the experience of "inside" and "outside" was gone. This still, witnessing presence of mind maintained as consciousness poured in and wisdom of truth of no-self remained. Now James shares the immeasurable gift of abiding presence through teaching mindfulness in schools and through body-focussed assisted self-study, therapy and spiritual coaching. There is no unhappiness except that we struggle against the present moment as it has arisen in its current of form. People are struggling only with their own mind. Freedom and peace is attainable through letting go of struggling and witnessing all-life. There is nowhere to go, nothing to do except to loosen the grip of identification with the thought forms of the mind (memories and projections); let things be as they are, embrace all of life, and be enthusiastic about what you choose to imagine for all to enjoy. It's uncannily like my dad said about fitting a bath rail: "The trouble isn't getting into the bath" - (or mind) - It's much harder getting out. What I needed was something that would go across both sides, and that was strong enough to trust I could put all my weight on it. There wasn't anything available. So I improvised from what-is." THANK you, dad! Good attitude, even if I didn't see it as 'my own' until now that I've let go - not of the attitude but of the 'my'. My mum just sat there peacefully. Eyes shut. Aware and un-distracted by the ongoing conversation; letting these shared thoughts drift past. And she says "I can't meditate" ! My parents are two of the wisest, most learned and honourable people I have ever met. The mind - and its limited thoughts - is like a vast land, somewhat uncultivated; in part like a quagmire. James supports individuals or groups of individuals to perceive life and who they are as conscious presence and a unique gift, and helps them to realise the truth of the limitless abundance that is right now waiting at your door, like a dog, more anxious for your blossoming into life than you are. |