Dear Listeners,
Already an interesting year, the fiery start of April generates a feeling the summer will fly by- in a blink. Did it seem as if time stood still during the peak of the pandemic and may be making up for lost momentum? In the rush though, a turbulence is added- aspects of global living are atypical, one might even call it unhinged. The weather is even behaving oddly, while our (American) economy heaves, wars throb. Somehow, amidst all this life goes on, how to do this? I’m going to share a few thoughts which I hope drop some light into the foggy mess this world is generating.
Since I last wrote, conversations continue to pop up on how people struggle with balancing the (outer) world’s issues while managing their inner one. Personal lives seem filled quickly with feelings like stress, anger, grief or anxiety while the world rocks and rolls with unsettling social, economic, philosophical and ethical topics.
It doesn’t seem to stop. Concerned it will pick up speed, I’m thinking how to navigate these times which are really challenging for one mind to digest. We have our limits. My appoach is to ‘curate’ what goes in and find ways to quiet the brain waves as much as possible. One way, mentioned in a previous post, is to take in the outer world in measured doses (by modulating frequency and/or volume). Another way (think of this as a layered approach) is to develop a means of observing surroundings with clarity (objectively) and identify your locus of influence .
Our internal world (in my opinion) is the area we carry the greatest degree of choice and impact. This effect rests on the degree we are willing (and able) to take action towards cultivating inner calm. I believe this is within reach, no matter the circumstance. No matter the circumstance. If someone is greatly limited, say due to illness, a small action can still be meaningful. For people who disagree or disbelieve I’d suggest exploring how others who faced hardship found solace, possibly via the stories of historical figures who faced terrible odds. If anything, it is a recurring pattern reflecting an impressive strength we humans have, which might look like ‘faith’ and ‘perseverance’. A recent example I came across was in the movie Summer of Soul, where journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault describes finding peace listening to a Nina Simone album while her neighbors upstairs (in a college she was symbolically desegregating) stomped on her ceiling to harass her. This is a great example of how a small action can cultivate calm amidst a storm.
If it’s difficult to calm the mind/body so concentration can arise with some ease in meditation, try some of the following approaches;
identify a specific space to sit, not associated with anything but meditation (eg: not work, eating, sleeping, etc), so the intention is clear
if it is challenging to concentrate, repeat a word-phrase, prayer or mantra in the mind or even aloud. This helps the mind become familiar with a single focus, you can use the word “HA” from today’s meditation to start
if the mind and emotions remain unsettled, engage the body- enliven your posture (erect but not stiff), activate the gaze (eyes open, softly focused -can be more grounding for the brain), draw an awareness to the breath. if sitting is uncomfortable, stand (and lean against a wall for support- if needed)
once this practice is established and more easeful, begin to surrender (let go) of the brain/ego to this process so you can gain an awareness independent of thoughts
Feel free to share this with anyone you think this might help. Have a peaceful holiday
Become the change you wish to see in the new world. SL
Rose lit Heart Meditation