"Seek truth in meditation, not in moldy books. Look in the sky to find the moon,
not in the pond." - Persian proverb
"Meditation is an effort in the beginning. Later on it becomes habitual and gives bliss, joy and peace. Through regular practice of concentration and meditation you attain clarity of mind, increased grasping power, retentive memory, increased intelligence, confidence, peace, optimism and control of the senses. Still the bubbling mind; herein lies freedom and bliss eternal." - Swami Sivananda
"There are voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world. --Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have always felt as though I am missing something when people talk about meditation. I have done guided meditation which is when you relax on a mat
and someone speaks quietly while soft, repetitive music plays and you are lead mentally through some exercise, like climbing stairs to a garden or following a path to the ocean and the ultimate goal is relaxation. And it is very relaxing.
And I have tried to meditate before I go to sleep at night, but I can never concentrate that hard or that long or that deeply without falling asleep. .
What I really think of when I think of meditation is someone sitting like a yogi, pointer fingers touching thumbs, saying some weird Mantra over and over And your mind is supposed to be totally clear of thoughts. But if you aren't supposed to think of anything, how can you find any answers?
I think the closest I come to meditating, seriously, is when I am near the ocean.
I can honestly say that is a place where I can think of nothing and just "be". Thoughts float in and out of my mind when I watch the waves wash up on the shore over and over, or look out toward the horizon, but the thoughts are somehow not troubling and easily put aside. And I may never reach "freedom and bliss eternal" through this amateurish type of meditation. But the solitude that Emerson speaks about can be found there; and I know whose voice he speaks of because I think I have heard it too.I hope you find some solitude today, wherever you are.
Love,
Suz
I love the beach, but usually feel like I am acting like a slug when I am relaxed on the beach. Now I know that I am reaching for "freedom and bliss eternal".
ReplyDeleteMelinda
See, you learn something new everyday! You are not a slug. You are a yogi!
ReplyDeleteYou know how I feel about this. I was privileged to see this reaction to the sea in two extremely different men, one very spiritual and wise, (you knew hime, too) and one very mercenary (apparently). The sea is evocative. The PERSON is evoked.
ReplyDelete