Do you know what meditation really is?
Meditation practice is not about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It’s about befriending who we already are.
~ Pema Chodron
Meditation
Meditation is the art of sitting down and being present with the mind that we all embody. Can you sit with yourself? You may experience thoughts running around in your head, just as a monkey swings through the trees. Can you be present for the whirling of the mind; to-do lists, memories of the past, plans for the future, rumblings of regret, words left unsaid, and ideas about what to do next? Can you watch all these thoughts pass through the mind, return your attention to your breath, and simply sit still? Meditation is the act of witnessing whatever arises in the mind with honesty and compassion, letting the thoughts go, and returning to the present moment with your breath?
There are many different styles of meditation according to various philosophies, religions, and doctrines, but in essence, meditation is being present with what is. Sounds so simple, yet it can be very challenging. We wiggle, squirm, get up, or skip it altogether. We find ways to not accept or allow ourselves to feel the discomfort of the present moment.
Meditation brings clarity, focus and a stillness that will benefit you in all areas of life; from your personal relationships, your passions, and hobbies, to your work or business. By taking time to sit in the moment, we actually tune in to the natural pace of life, finding softness and energy, instead of being caught up in the hustle and bustle of doing this and that. Meditation is a practice, like a muscle that needs to be trained and developed. Just as we train the body with exercise, the practice of meditation trains us to watch the mind, to follow the breath, and to slow down and actually be present with this miraculous life, this gift we have been given. Meditation is a practice, a lifetime exercise for the mind.
Oneness
Through the practice of meditation, we can begin to witness, to actually observe the comings and goings of the mind. We learn to notice our thoughts, and watch them drift through the mind, just as we would watch the clouds move through the sky. Overtime, as we begin to let go of our attachment to these thoughts, we develop a practice of nonattachment, which can bring about a deeper sense of calm. With consistent practice, we find that underneath or behind, or even present in the mind, there is a peaceful place. This is a place of oneness, where the pure energy of spirit, soul, or the Divine lives. It resides inside all of us, and is sometimes easy to tap into, while at other times, challenging. This awareness, being present with this feeling of peace and oneness, is our connection to the Divine.
