20 Nov Short cuts to Meditation
In response to the video about Inspiration for Meditation, a friend wrote: “You said it took ‘years’ to find out what meditation is/was. I would like some tips about some short cuts. I am old you know.”
First of all thank you to my friend who contacted me.
The short cut to calming the mind is simply to cut through illusion of the mind, let it go and choose to be in a state of natural calm.
Now, are there any short cuts to this? Yes, enjoy every moment as if it is your last. Still, it requires our awareness 24/7. The mind can be tricky, seductive, and it plays games. We need to go beyond it, and then when we see the truth of reality in the beauty of nature, we can accept everything the way it is—and do what is in alignment with our true self. Without knowing or understanding our true nature, how can we possibly go where we truly want to be?
And for sure it does not have to take years. Meditation is everywhere and we are there whenever we listen to our inner self and find the space of stillness, peace and calm in-between our thoughts. We don’t have to go anywhere or do anything to meditate, we can simply just be.
I know that my friend who is a nature lover and sport enthusiast have already been meditating (without knowing it) for years. And I have realised that I have been doing it for years too, without consciously knowing that it was meditation. Now I do it, not sitting in a lotus position with my legs crossed, but wherever I am—be it walking, sitting with a client, talking, painting, writing—whatever it may be—I connect with my body, focus my mind and I watch where my body and mind flow. From there I choose where I want to be, my state of mood and how I want to respond.
Meditation is simply a habit of the mind and it is a practice of awareness, watching the mind from a detached point of view. That’s when we can see a different perspective without being controlled by our thoughts and emotions. It’s like watching and admiring the towering and majestic snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance. That’s how we learn to know the nature of mind and find stillness and peace in whatever we do.
So when we can just be and flow with whatever is—be it creativity, walking, reading, cleaning the house, cooking, eating, driving, and talking without thinking or reacting too much, we remain in that stillness—with thoughts and emotions coming and going—we are experiencing true meditation.
It is the practice of awareness, and getting to know the nature of mind that requires a constant practice and diligence. When we are there—it is easy. It is a space where we can simply just be and accept that everything is what it is—perfect the way it is. Notice when you are there.
And you are there already… In moments throughout the day. It is becoming aware of being there and the fact that you can go there whenever you choose to be there—in the space of just being—doing what you have to do.
Every day, we begin where we are. And for a few minutes during the day just notice where your mind and body flows…listen and connect with what is best for your mind and body. Go there—be there…and when you notice that you are not there—simply choose to go in the direction of where you want to be…
Slowly and subtly it comes like a beautiful soft breeze touching your face, as you are watching a spectacular landscape bathing in different shades of colours and light, without any expectations or attachments of how it has to be.
And as you choose to focus your mind on peace, stillness, love and joy, your mind naturally calms down and you are in a state of meditation, without thinking or worrying about how to get there or how to do it. Just connect with your body, focus your mind and go with the flow. Keep doing it…over and over…and you will find yourself there—feeling amazed.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT 🙂
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