I developed a meditation practice years and years ago. I’d love to say I’ve been consistent in my practice, but life often got in the way. And then, I made an interesting discovery. I didn’t have to be sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat to be present. Ultimately, mindfulness simply means experiencing the current moment to its fullest. We make choices several times each day. We can choose to be fully in the moment, or we can choose to perseverate about something that happened yesterday–or last week. There’s quite a tendency to rehash past events. Or worry endlessly about stuff that has yet to play out.
If you think about it, that type of rehashing is almost a total waste of time. Nothing you can do in the “now” will change what happened in the past. Why is it so hard to let some things go? It seems particularly difficult when we feel we’ve been wronged, somehow. No amount of space rental in your brain will change another person or what they did–or didn’t do. Either accept them as they are, or cut your losses and move on.
Unfortunately, no one promised us fair or equitable. No one promised us anything, to be frank. We create our own reality, our own futures. Speaking of futures, while planning can create an (often false) sense of control, flexibility is critical. If Plan A doesn’t pan out, it’s often useful to have a Plan B, C, or D waiting in the wings. Otherwise, the demise of Plan A will leave us floundering.
My discovery that freed me from my yoga mat broadened my horizons. I can have “live in the now” moments” any time so long as I focus on what I can control: my breath. Surprising how a few thoughtful breaths as we clear our minds can be so empowering. Prayer, chanting, yoga, small social groups with like-minded individuals can serve a similar purpose. There’s a Soto Zen monastery near Mount Shasta. I went to a retreat there a very long time ago, perhaps 40 years. It was the first time I truly appreciated the potential power in group meditation.
If anyone is interested, the book Breath by James Nestor is a very good read and a nice starting point for those not familiar with meditative practices.
Everything is interrelated. If my mind is full of negative self-talk, it often becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Far easier to concept for love, joy, light, and peace. Determine what you can control. Let the rest go. Be the light. Don’t let the petty stuff drag you down.
What are techniques that have stood you in good stead over the years?
Comments
Thanks a lot for taking your time to provide these crucial insights. It’s always great to receive new perspectives on important topics like this.
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