We get bombarded with a lot of self-help messages about the importance of “positive vibes” and “good energy.” But what happens when life throws you a curveball – a frustrating setback, a stinging criticism, a moment of pure sadness? Do we need to try and turn everything into a constant stream of sunshine and rainbows?
“A calm mind is more important than a positive mind.” – Deepak Chopra
Today’s meditation is a journey of our outer senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.
Is it important that the experience our senses give us must be “positive” and not “negative”? How do you feel about it when the feedback you get from your senses is not enjoyable?
The truth is we can’t have only positive experiences, but with a calm mind we can look at each experience for what it is and be OK, whether it’s positive or negative.
Can we apply this equally to our inner senses?
“Whatever state I am in, I see it as a state of mind to be accepted as it is.” – Nisargadatta Maharaj
Just like with our outer senses, the experience generated by our inner senses comes and also goes.
Whatever I practice, I become better at. If I consistently practice resistance toward everything I don’t want to feel, then I’m becoming better at feeling stressed, feeling anxious and creating a storm in my pond. However, if what I’m practicing is to accept the feeling without resistance, knowing I’ll be OK even if this feeling is not “nice”… then what I’m getting better at is having a calm mind. I’m creating a more consistently calm pond.
A calm mind fosters resilience. It understands impermanence – that whatever arises will eventually pass. This allows us to navigate challenges with a clear head and make thoughtful choices, rather than being swept away by the current of our emotions.
A few questions for self-reflection:
- How can I cultivate a more accepting attitude towards my internal experiences?
- What practices can I adopt to create a calmer inner landscape?
- Can I identify areas where I resist negative experiences, leading to increased unhappiness?
By reflecting on these questions and incorporating practices like meditation, we can cultivate a calm mind that allows us to navigate the storms of life with grace and clarity. Remember, a still pond reflects reality most accurately.
The calm mind knows that whatever comes will also go. Enjoy your weekend!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Come to your senses.