My Experience of Meditation

Before my daughter, before I met my husband, before I found yoga or dance, there was meditation. I’ve always been more then aware of its ability to quiet the mind so that the real mental work can be done. My parents are meditaters and now I am one. From my understanding, people meditate so that the mind no longer stands in the way of being, doing and realizing exactly what we want. At first it's so hard and almost hopeless. I felt like I would never get to a point of any true enjoyment (other then the pride I got from saying I was a meditater...but that's a mental trap in its self) from working with my mind. I wondered if I wasn't strong enough to tame my mind. After some hard work and experimentation, my mind softened. I was able to play with it and enjoy it like a friend. I'm not saying that I am THERE but I've made some serious progress...I'm now at the point that I want to meditate. It's like a child going outside to the playground. I feel that I can gain some sort of freedom while focusing on the breath, moment, asana or half time shimmy. We meditate to be in the moment and come to terms with our true nature. I’m offering what I know in hopes that someone reading this will take my view and be able to apply it in their own self study.

Meditation is a beautiful practice. It’s about the true awakening but it’s also about truly living.

For the curious student of life, I suggest watching the video linked below. He is my mother's teacher and the leader of the Shambhala community. I've read both of his books on the topic of meditation and am constantly impressed by his understanding and ability to articulate the concepts surrounding meditation. I swear, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche could explain just about anything to me and I'd understand.

A Short Introduction to Peaceful Abiding

~~~Love
~~~Kafi