Fancy a quick shot of inspiration? This article is a zippy 2-minute read. But if you’re feeling like a super sleuth wanting to uncover all the secrets, our menu of extra goodies is just the place to dig in!
A message from today’s meditation:
Meditation is not a practice of trying to escape, it is the exact opposite. A leaning in, paying precise attention to exactly what is there.
As we become better at paying attention, we start seeing with more clarity what is temporary, what comes and also always goes.
As we become better at recognizing what is temporary, we also start improving our sense of what has permanence. We see that the constant change in thought and emotion plays against a background of stability, a part of our SELF that is eternally aware and present.
The more we meditate, the more we find ourselves looking through eyes that see past temporary fluctuations, connecting with the wisdom that we already are.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” – Thich Nhat Hahn
“Meditation is a process of lightening up, of trusting the basic goodness of what we have and who we are, and of realizing that any wisdom that exists, exists in what we already have. We can lead our life so as to become more awake to who we are and what we’re doing rather than trying to improve or change or get rid of who we are or what we’re doing. The key is to wake up, to become more alert, more inquisitive and curious about ourselves.” – Pema Chodron
“Your goal is not to battle with the mind, but to witness the mind.” – Swami Muktananda
Join us on a journey of rediscovering the permanence in you. Today’s meditation invites you to “Come to your senses.” By grounding ourselves in the present moment, through the simple act of observing our breath, bodily sensations, and sounds around us, we begin to touch that unchanging essence at the core of our being.
A few questions to elevate the permanence in you:
- What impermanent thoughts and emotions have been dominating my attention lately?
- Can I create space for those thoughts and emotions to come and go without clinging to them?
- Can I cultivate a sense of calmness and stability within myself, a stillness that allows me to witness the impermanent for what it truly is?
- In the midst of the daily rush, can I take a moment to connect with my breath, my body, and the present moment?
Join us for today’s journey of touching the permanence that is you.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Come to your senses.
A moment of reflection
(If you have the time, use this question as a journal prompt, because whenever you put pen to paper you’re wiring the neural pathways that create your new habits. But if you don’t have the time, just take a moment to reflect on your response.)
The Permanent vs. The Temporary: Create two columns on your page. In the left column, list the thoughts, emotions, circumstances, and aspects of your life that you’ve noticed change over time. In the right column, identify what has remained constant throughout all these changes—perhaps your capacity for awareness, love, or growth. Reflect deeply on this permanent aspect of yourself. How might your life shift if you anchored your sense of self more in what’s permanent rather than what’s temporary?
Today’s LIVE meditation
https://youtu.be/jlfpHzFhO_I 2025
https://youtu.be/kgTk1BGYb-4 2022
Q&A for deeper learning
Q1: I’ve tried meditation before but my mind is too busy. How can I possibly “witness” my thoughts when they’re so chaotic?
A: The chaos you’re experiencing is actually perfect raw material for witnessing practice. You don’t need to stop or slow down your thoughts to be a witness. Instead, practice noticing that you’re aware of the chaos. The part of you that can say “my mind is busy” is already in witness mode. Start there, and trust that this awareness is always present, even in the midst of mental turbulence.
Q2: What’s the difference between this approach and traditional meditation techniques like focusing on breath or mantras?
A: Traditional techniques are wonderful tools, but they’re means to an end rather than the end itself. Focusing on breath or mantras helps quiet the mind so you can more easily recognize the awareness that’s always present. The approach described here emphasizes recognizing that awareness directly, using whatever arises—busy thoughts included—as an opportunity to practice witnessing.
Q3: How do I know if I’m connecting with this “permanent” aspect of myself or just having another temporary experience?
A: The permanent aspect of yourself is characterized by a sense of spaciousness, peace, and unconditional presence. It doesn’t come and go—it’s always there. Temporary experiences, even positive ones, have a quality of arising and passing away. If you’re questioning whether you’re connecting with permanence, notice the part of you that’s asking the question. That questioning awareness itself is what you’re looking for.
Q4: I understand this intellectually, but how do I actually apply it when I’m stressed or triggered in daily life?
A: When stress or triggers arise, use them as meditation bells—signals to remember your witnessing awareness. Take a breath and ask yourself: “What part of me is aware that I’m stressed right now?” Even in difficult moments, you can touch base with the observer self. This doesn’t mean the stress disappears, but you’re no longer completely identified with it.
Q5: Is this just another form of spiritual bypassing or avoiding difficult emotions?
A: Absolutely not. True witnessing means facing everything that arises with full presence and acceptance. You’re not trying to transcend or escape difficult emotions—you’re learning to hold them in a larger context of awareness. This actually allows you to feel emotions more fully because you’re not afraid of being overwhelmed by them.
Q6: How long does it take to develop this witnessing awareness?
A: The awareness is already present—it’s not something you develop but something you recognize. Some people have glimpses immediately, while others take months or years to stabilize in this recognition. The key is consistent practice and patience with yourself. Remember, you’re not trying to achieve a special state but simply noticing what’s always been there.
Q7: Can this practice help with anxiety and depression, or do I need professional help?
A: This practice can be profoundly supportive for mental health challenges, but it’s not a replacement for professional treatment when needed. Many people find that developing witnessing awareness helps them relate to anxiety and depression differently—seeing these as temporary states rather than defining features of who they are. However, if you’re struggling significantly, please consider working with a qualified mental health professional alongside your meditation
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