Sustained meditation literally rewires the nervous system. Through daily rituals of grounding and centering oneself in the moment, one’s capacity to remain calm, confident and resilient are naturally strengthened. Thus, old reactive habits no longer arise when difficulties appear. Instead graceful living becomes the new way of life!
Meditation involves transformation. With mindful awareness moment by moment, you have the opportunity to let go of negative patterns and initiate a new way of responding to life. These moments of inner transformation hold rich potential, as they literally start the process of rewiring the brain and help to ultimately align your inner and outer worlds. Gradually, congruency in the two worlds returns and life becomes much easier, enabling you to simply flow with life!
Meditation is more than relaxation. Meditation, at its deepest level, involves consciousness. With raised awareness of differences between your inner and outer worlds, you have a vital starting point for integrating the two worlds and stepping firmly onto your path for enhanced wellness.
Releasing the continuous chatter within, space is created for open observation, without judgement or expectations. This open awareness is a higher level of consciousness! Congratulate yourself each time you achieve this! And each time the chatter returns, bring yourself back to open awareness, like gently bringing back a curious young child who has innocently wandered away.
Mediation is a practice that takes many forms. Over the next few weeks, you will obtain a clear and concise understanding of what meditation is and what it isn’t, as well as ultimate gifts that become available once you commit to regular practice. Discipline and diligence are essential for everyday wellness in today’s complex, fast-paced world!
According to Joel & Michelle Levey, wise elders of the mindfulness movement, there are 5 general categories for meditation:
Each meditation builds on the first two as concentration and mindfulness are the foundation for effective practice. Whether you choose to follow up with reflective, creative, or heart-centred mediations, explore different ones to see which resonates most deeply for you at this particular time in your life. Remember that life is ever-changing. Stay centred in the present moment through concentration and mindfulness, and the gifts will spontaneously present themselves in perfect time!
Ultimately, mindfulness is not about achieving certain goals or expectations, or even maintaining certain preferences in life. Mindfulness is simply a state of spaciousness acquired through observation and open awareness. A commitment to living from a place of peace and equanimity is vital. Then, like a free flowing river, thoughts become the sand and pebbles resting on the riverbed, or large rocks we effortlessly flow over and around. Unobstructed by the perpetual activities of thinking mind, mindfulness liberates us to come home to our own true nature, our authentic self. This is one of the most challenging feats in the human journey.
Mindfulness was easy and natural when we were young. Mindfulness awaits your re-discovery every moment of your life. Sink into mindfulness and all the beauty it offers!
Mindfulness is not an action or something that you do. It is a way of being. Mindfulness is fully inhabiting the moment just as it is, without expectations, thoughts, stories or emotional attachment. When you embrace open awareness, you are instantly liberated. This is the ultimate gift of mindfulness: freedom! There is really nothing that you need to do. You simply need to be!
Mindfulness is not just knowing what is happening in the present moment but also knowing there are things that you do not know. When you hold space for the wisdom of unknowns, evolution, deep healing and transformation can take place. Open your mind to infinite possibilities. Enhanced awareness allows you see possibilities that were not visible to you before.
Last weeks post emphasized the importance of heart over mind. To further this concept and cultivate a stronger and deeper connection with heart, we must heed the wisdom of our body. Our body and its messages are portals to our heart. Whenever you feel off kilter, gently bring your focus back to the rhythmic sensation of breathing. Very naturally, you will connect with your inherent ability to be mindful in the moment.
Mindfulness is not just a practice of the mind. Mindfulness, in the deepest sense, is also a practice of the heart. Mind and heart are one word in Asian languages. Allow your heart to arise each moment of the day. Bring love and compassion to all of your experiences.
Mindfulness is not only holding an open mind but also bringing kindness and compassion to yourself and all of your experiences. As we begin a new year, allow the wisdom of Derek Walcott’s poetry to sink deeply into your being. Embrace the wisdom of honoring yourself and all of your experiences. In doing so, 2017 may very well be the best year of your life!
MIND MASTER TRAINING 