Enjoy the Silence

There are times when we may feel overwhelmed, when we forget that the world we live in is as it is because we made it that way. During those times it may be difficult to see that the kindest, most loving thing we can do for ourselves, and indeed for those that love us, is to stand still. To breathe. During those times in our lives that pain and confusion have clouded our judgement, we tend to push ourselves even harder toward some vague and seemingly unreachable goal...until we hit a wall. We can not move another muscle. Perhaps, the body begins to fall apart. The damage may be reversible...or not. Please, don't wait for that to happen. Sit quietly and ask yourself why you've made yourself the whipping boy (or girl)? What would happen if you treated yourself as the beloved? What would that be like? Close your eyes and recognize that when you are gone that "to-do" list will remain unfinished. And the earth will continue to spin on it's axis around the sun. The seasons will change. And, most likely, you will be missed. The list forgotten.

Often when we are learning to meditate, we jump right up eager to rejoin the running, ranting and raving mob. Consider trying something different. When you are at the end of your practice, maintain the quiet. Rise slowly. If you must talk, do so softly. When you move do so slowly, intentionally. Try to maintain the feeling of the meditation by avoiding multi-tasking and interacting with others for as long as possible. And then, when you are back in your routine, you may find that you brought the meditative state with you. And, when that is the case, you will find that although the outer world is spinning all around you, the life within is peaceful, comforting, still.

Shanti,
  S.