When I lie down with the intention to look at the sky I do not have expectations. As I lie on my back and gaze I simply wait to see what appears. Perhaps a cloud or clouds are moving slowly in the sky, their shapes changing as they are molded by the hands of the wind. Or maybe a bird dips and twirls, dancing in the breeze; or a group of swallows or ducks or geese fly overhead encouraging one another with vocal support. And I observe. I do not become entangled with them, though I may wonder briefly where they might be heading. I simply see and observe and feel a sense of gratitude for the beauty they add to my world. Whether it is gazing at the daytime sky or the dark skies at night with its celestial surprises, I observe.
The point is, when I gaze at the sky there is no expectation other than perhaps the wonder of what I may see besides the space of the sky. It is the same in my Mindfulness Meditation practice. I begin sitting with an open mind. Not knowing what thoughts may or may not come. I suppose on some level I know that I may have thoughts but I do not concern myself with whether I will have any or not. I simply sit and become mindful of my body and how it feels. I run my awareness over and through my body to check in and see if I am holding tension anywhere, then I breathe and stay with my breath noticing how my chest rises and falls, how the air feels in my throat and chest etc. When I have no expectations and simply stay with the awareness of my body a wonderful thing begins to happen. I begin to relax, and feel more content in just sitting, relaxing and breathing. Even when a thought does arise I don't become entangled in it, I notice it yes, but then I come back to my breath and the thought becomes my thinking of my breath. After more than 25 years of practice I sometimes feel that I have this down. Then life happens and I have a difficult time letting go of thoughts. Even after all these years I too can spin out in a thread of thought. However my practice has given me so many gifts over the years as I take it with me throughout my days. And when I have a day that feels especially challenging my practice leads me through awareness to a place of acceptance, gratitude and peace. Because of my practice I more easily jump to compassion rather than conclusions or assumptions. Because of my practice I am more patient and accepting of challenging situations that occur. I tend to be more compassionate toward others for their foibles and more compassionate toward myself for my mistakes. I appreciate the little things and rather than reacting to something or someone I am able to take time to think and gently respond. I am not perfect by any measure but being a kind human being is so very enjoyable. I do know that this is a bi-product of my meditation practice. If you would like to learn more about meditation please join us at A Positive Light meditation center where I hold teachings on meditations every Monday at 7pm for an hour. There is no fee though donations are greatly appreciated. All are welcome. 6470 Kelsey Creek Dr. Kelseyville, CA. 95451 707-279-6031 *Joanie Lane is a Meditation Teacher, Reiki Master/Teacher, Spiritual & Life Coach, and Healing Movement Qigong Leader. She lives in Kelseyville, Ca. at her meditation center "A Positive Light". For more information on her training and her classes visit her website at apositivelight.com **These are original writings by Joanie. Any quotes by others that have been included have been identified.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |