Somewhere along the path we learn that we are responsible for the contents of our own minds.
By becoming conscious through the practice of meditation, we begin to see when a destructive thought arises in the mind. We have a choice: Allow the thought to repeat itself continually or observe it and let it go. This does not mean to avoid looking @ the contents of our minds. It simply means to learn detachment. Before we can change our thoughts (and thereby our habits), we have to be willing to really see what's there first.
Sometimes, without realizing it, we surround ourselves with negativity. We play music with angry lyrics, we watch movies where people are being killed, we gravitate toward stories that illustrate the absolute worst human tendencies. If we fill our minds with horror, we think horrible thoughts. Thinking horrible thoughts, eventually, we say horrible things. If we think and say horrible things, then, perhaps, we might find ourselves becoming horrible. This leads to horrible behavior.
There is a simple technique to change the habit of ruminating on the worst...make it a habit to fill your mind with the very best by surrounding yourself with beauty.
There is a simple technique to change the habit of ruminating on the worst...make it a habit to fill your mind with the very best by surrounding yourself with beauty.
If we find ourselves wishing harm to another person, become aware of that thought and change it. Visualize something wonderful happening to that person. Wish them well and then let it go. Look @ the walls of your home. Look @ your book shelves. Try to fill your living space with objects that are uplifting, that you find beautiful.
Here's an example of one way that I remind myself to be positive. When I read something inspirational or see a beautiful photograph in a magazine, I cut it out. I put the image on my refrigerator or I pin it to the wall of my studio. In this way I remind myself that Life is beautiful. I try to remember, if I find myself thinking an ugly thought, that I can replace it with something beautiful.
By becoming more positive, we draw more beauty into our lives. Think of all the ways that you can surround yourself w/ beauty.
Here's an example of one way that I remind myself to be positive. When I read something inspirational or see a beautiful photograph in a magazine, I cut it out. I put the image on my refrigerator or I pin it to the wall of my studio. In this way I remind myself that Life is beautiful. I try to remember, if I find myself thinking an ugly thought, that I can replace it with something beautiful.
By becoming more positive, we draw more beauty into our lives. Think of all the ways that you can surround yourself w/ beauty.
Meditating on beauty is just as powerful. Visualize the most beautiful object or scene in nature. Do not meditate on a human being as this may draw a lot of emotionality into the consciousness making it difficult for the mind to settle down, to be uplifted. When you can see the object of beauty clearly, feel yourself drawing near to it. If it can be held, touch it. If it has an aroma, smell it. If it has a sound, listen to it. If it can be tasted, then experience it that way as well. When you are holding nothing but the object of beauty in your mind, when you are completely immersed in it, then notice how you feel. Yes, beauty is a feeling. Now, let go of the visual image of beauty and meditate on this feeling. When it is time to end your meditation, open your eyes slowly. Return to your outward senses slowly...and try to hold the feeling of beauty.
Practicing this meditation technique gives us an important tool that we can use in our everyday lives. And we will be able to return to this beautiful feeling state anytime, any place, anywhere.
Shanti,
S.
Practicing this meditation technique gives us an important tool that we can use in our everyday lives. And we will be able to return to this beautiful feeling state anytime, any place, anywhere.
Shanti,
S.
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