many people complain about not having the time, space or quietness to meditate.
they find themselves getting frustrated at the noises which surround them, passing cars, doors slamming, people talking etc.
we see pictures of people meditating at the edge of still lakes or in front of heart warming sunsets. we see people dressed in smooth silk robes at the top of temple steps and we begin to believe that we need these conditions in order to find peace.
well the next time you see these pictures realise that what surrounds them is but a reflection of their inner state. the picture was always symbolic it was never to set standards. for peace is only to be found within and never without. one can always find peace in the rain, in a traffic jam, on the train or in a storm.
these “outer” conditions are never the deciding factor when it comes to finding true inner peace. peace which has requirements is forever desperately fleeting like the passing of any other daily emotion. however the stillness of inner peace is not an emotion, it is a state of being found between both acceptance and detachment.
when one locates and establishes their own inner balance point they are able to return to it whenever they wish.
somewhere so simple that it is often always overlooked and under valued.
let inner peace be valued for its stability and tranquility. It is a place that does not get swayed by the tides of life, it always floats above the chaos beneath. it is a sanctuary of crystal clear clarity.
—- meditation exercise —-
in this exercise, sit with your eyes closed. this can be done in any location, whether it be on a train to work or in the park it doesnt matter. take notice of every sound and accept them as they arrive from the silence and return to the silence.
recognise the power, potential and presence of the silence in each moment, the place where all sound expands from and dissolves.
with the development of focus one will begin to realise the silence is always there hidden in the background, and like a radio frequency all we have to do is tune in and connect.
now examine the different noises you hear and feel. the wind in the trees, tweeting of birds, the train on the tracks, people talking etc.
now ask yourself, is that noise out with me or is it within?
most at first tend to believe that the noise came from outside them. they believe it is an external force and separate from them. this immediately results in a blame game scenario.
“ahh i cant meditate its too loud and distracting!”
well in this exercise i want you to imagine your self expanding far off and into your surroundings. fill the room, park or train carriage with your awareness and presence. the noises you hear are you. accept them as being an extension of yourself. how empowering, how beautiful!
you are the center point of this whole experience, how you react is in your control. you were never alone, separation and isolation is but a perception of the mind from which there are many others. you are bigger than it.
through embracing and accepting that which is we will find peace.
resistance, avoidance and control hungry intentions bring only stress, anxiety and suffering.
lewismcdonnell 