1: Mental chitchat
All the actions, words and
thoughts in our day are bound to influence that moment in which we sit for
meditation. And one of the most prominent features in our mind is the constant
chitchat that takes place there. We endlessly discuss, fight and argue in our
heads with real or imaginary people and situations. Fortunately this, which
left alone is a serious distraction, can become an aid to concentration if we
simply use it properly.
If we associate all our thinking
and feeling with our spiritual ideal, then throughout the day there will be a
state of partial recollection that will simplify our task greatly at the time
of meditation. For instance, if we have to go shopping we would normally think:
“I have to go shopping. What do I need to buy? Do I bring potatoes or carrots?”
But if instead of this we learn to associate it with a spiritual personality or
Ideal (for instance Jesus), we will do it this way: “Jesus we need to go
shopping. What do we need? What do you think we should buy?”
Let
us not underestimate the power of association. This simple practice will
gradually deepen the memory of the Divine in us and awaken its presence; it
will steady the wondering mind and make it fit for the practice of meditation.
Try it. When we practice this way throughout the day, the results are amazing!
2: The gap between thoughts
For
those that don’t have the devotional temperament to practices disciplines as
the one mentioned above there are other alternatives.
Thoughts are like the
disturbing waves on the surface of a lake; they prevents us from seeing the
bottom clearly. But the current of our thoughts is not unbroken, though it may
appear so initially. Between one thought and the next there is a tiny pause,
and through it can be had a small glimpse of our real nature: the Divine Self
behind the thinking mind.
By the practice of a
detached observation of the thoughts we can slow down its flow and expand the gap
between them. This must be done calmly, not trying so much to stop the thoughts
as to simply watching them with detached attention. In this way the thoughts
subside a bit, enabling us to dwell more and more in this gap between thoughts.
3: Make friendship with the mind
The mind is the best
instrument we have to conquer the mind itself. And we do not need to be at war
with the mind in order to control it. That, actually, would be a bad idea. In
reality the mind longs for everything that is good and noble, for peace and
happiness. All we need to do then is to make it understand, gently, that peace
and happiness increase en the same proportion as selfish thoughts and desires
cease.
When after perseverant and
intelligent persuasion the mind comprehends that changing will bring a greater
happiness, then it will want to change and will begin to cooperate, turning
itself into our best ally.
4: Mind-heart integration
It
is not uncommon to notice that we often think in one direction, feel in a
different manner and act in a third way. This disharmony or insincerity in our
character is due to lack of observation.
Paying
close attention to the reasons, the motives, behind our actions, we can learn
to integrate the personality. A simple, helpful method is to question ourselves:
“Why do I do this?” “What prompts me to think or act this way?” “What is my
real intention behind this?” This will increase our awareness and help us
integrate our life.
When the thinking, the
willing, and the feeling, are fully in unison, our life has finally come to
maturity, our personality is integrated and our spirituality flourishes in a
natural way, effortlessly. At that time we can truly say “love and do as you
please.”
11 September, 2012
No comments:
Post a Comment