I’ve meditated for almost thirty years. Periodically I change the way I meditate. Years ago I started focusing on my breathing. In the process of learning to use my breath my mind would wander and I found it difficult to stay focused. My immediate reaction was to judge my process. I said things to myself like, “What is the matter with you. You’ve meditated for years and you can’t quiet your mind!”
For a moment I forgot to be gentle and loving with myself and to trust my process. Once I noticed what I was doing I changed my inner dialog. I reminded myself I was learning a new way to meditate and reminded myself to enjoy the process.
Earlier this year I created a labyrinth on the back of my property. A few weeks ago I decided to do a walking mediation each morning instead of sitting quietly. Once again my mind wanted to judge my progress.
My labyrinth sits on the side of a hill where the morning sun first hits my property. I go out shortly after sunrise, the shadows are long, the is air heavy with the morning dew and filled with the song of birds awakening. I can walk along listening to my mind or I can be present in the moment. Life is such a sensual feast we can savor only in the moment. Our memory of events can be pleasant and rich but they pale to the actual event.
Moment by moment we have the choice to align ourselves with our spirit and experience the moment or listen to the endless chatter of our mind. Our minds can be a tool that assists us in being present in the moment or pulls us out of the moment. How we use our minds is a choice only we can make in the moment.
Peace is only available to the mind that is fully present in the moment. Moment by moment what choice do you make? Breathe deeply of the gift of life and allow yourself to savor it fully. Being present in the moment is always just a breath away.
