"If you want to find God, hang out in the space between your thoughts"
~Alan Cohen
Today I am feeling grateful for the practice of meditation. There are many forms of meditation, many different practices and desired outcomes, however in my experience and understanding, it can all be summed up in the word freedom. Meditation helps us to liberate our minds from engrained thoughts, attitudes and associations—so that we can experience an expanded awareness, so that we may feel our oneness with all that is. In the practice of meditation we let go of all to-do lists, analyses of our life circumstances, all the limitations of ordinary thinking. For a time, we are open to receive, we are listening with our hearts wide open.
In reading Journey of Awakening by Ram Dass several years ago, I came to appreciate the many ways one can reach this state of being. One does not have to sit in lotus position on a zafu staring at a candle to meditate. There are many forms of moving meditation, like yoga, t'ai chi, or Sufi dancing to name a few—and in fact, fishing or golfing can be a form of meditation as well! It's about single-pointed concentration and freeing the mind from its normal chatter; it's about being present, being here now.
I read something in that book that was revolutionary for me. In the chapter on "Where to Meditate" Ram Dass says: "You will find many ordinary moments in your life are perfect for meditation: when you are waiting in the dentist's office, or for the bus, or sitting in a subway. The stronger your meditation, the less your surroundings distract you. Eventually, you will be able to meditate anywhere, anytime."
I read this particular passage the night before I was to have my first root canal. For some reason I had it in my head that a root canal was a terribly difficult and painful procedure and I had been terrified of going through it. Well, I read this passage and thought: "Hmmm...he says you will be able to meditate anywhere, anytime...that would include during a root canal!" So I let myself try an experiment. I went into the endodontist's office the next day with a whole new attitude, relaxed and serene. He couldn't believe this was the same person who had been in tears the day before.
As I sat in that chair having a root canal, I had the most wonderful experience, meditating and visualizing—focusing on lovely and beautiful things. I was swimming with dolphins, walking along a beach listening to the waves roll in to shore...just having a lovely time! I couldn't believe it. It was truly one of the most wonderful meditations I had ever experienced!
How blessed we are to have this capacity. It is a choice we can make any time. May you find moments of serenity and bliss today.
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