I read something recently that basically said: If you are sad or depressed, your mind is in the past. If you are anxious or worried, your mind is in the future. If you are peaceful and content, your mind is in the present moment.
And that, my friends, is why we practice meditation. When we meditate, we are practicing being in the present moment. Just for this hour, just for this minute, just for this second, everything is really okay. If we can string a bunch of those moments together, life starts to feel and look pretty damned good. All it takes is practice. Simple, right?!
Sometimes we may have something happening to us -- work, relationships, finances, health -- that is so overwhelmingly out of control, we'd like to just jump off a bridge. At those times, all we really have to turn to is the present moment. If we can give ourselves a five minute break from trying to figure it all out while in a state of upset and panic, our lives can begin to heal and blossom in ways that are no less than magical. We can take that jump off the bridge -- but let's do it in our mind and spirit, yes?
Just a reminder, 'meditation' can look like anything you want it to:
Singing, chanting, dancing, cloud-watching, petting the dog, exercising, gardening, appreciating anything, cooking, cleaning the house, driving to work while listening to your favorite album, counting your steps while taking a walk, making art, making music, making love, making eggplant parmesan. It's anything at all that lets you practice Being In the Present Moment, where all is well.
It may be annoying, but it's true: practice does make perfect.
With love & giant hugs,
MJ
p.s. In the spirit of good-will and harmony, my monthly Adventures in Meditation group is now free! Yippee! Bring your family and friends! See you on Thurs., Sept. 13th at 7:15 pm. The theme this month will be Grace.
