6 - Holding a butterfly
To master the art of holding onto happiness is to become an adept of mindfulness, and mindfulness is being aware of what is occurring within your mind.
An example might be the use of mindfulness when we are driving... Some might say that this is concentration, but actually we do not concentrate generally when we drive, as we listen to the radio, watch the weather, chat with our passengers and so on, but what we are doing is being mindful and aware that we are driving along a road, maintaining our speed and direction, and avoiding obstacles.
The practice of maintaining a happy and peaceful mind is like this too, maintaining our train of thought, avoiding pitfalls and staying in lane…
Too much intense concentration and we lose our happiness, and if we let go too much our happiness can slip away - so this can be considered by the visualisation of holding a butterfly in our hands.
Too much pressure and we will crush the butterfly, and if we open our hands too wide it will fly away, but if we cup our open hands, gently, the butterfly will remain, unharmed yet remaining within our presence.
Another descriptive analogy is holding a bar of soap - grasp it too tightly and it will squeeze out from our fingers, and if released it will slip out of our hands into the bath... oh well, never mind, we can pick it up again.
Mindfulness, or maintaining a thought is like this, a gentle, even and consistent line of thought, not too tight and not too loose.
Oh, to be happy. Oh, to be at peace - well, we can choose. We can find our happiness, we know where it resides, maybe arising now, or maybe recalled in memory - yes, that is it, happiness does arise with a smile... Now, not to let go...
It can be as simple as using your imagination. Yes, imagine you are happy, and then keep imagining the same thing, and the funny thing is that if you imagine you are happy, you are happy - this is because happiness is found only in the mind, nowhere else.
Just a simple game, an activity, imagining happiness, but one that brings beautiful rewards.
Time to turn down the noise, listen to your mind and watch your happiness... Click here... BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Holding onto Happiness - 5
5 – Like a wisp of smoke
Holding onto happiness - how can it be done? It may seem elusive, even impossible, like catching a wisp of smoke, gone as soon as it is caught.
But happiness does not need to be caught, held onto, or even captured, as the process of holding onto happiness is really a matter of not letting happiness go…
There is a logical first step here, and that is to find happiness within your mind, and this happiness is closely related to your peaceful mind - it is said that 'a peaceful mind is a happy mind'.
And, like following a wisp of smoke, one does not interfere, one simply observes - so, in practice this means following your train of thought, and maintain the flow…
You can start by finding happiness or contentment, now, in your mind, by recalling your understanding, or experience of happiness and deciding 'I wish this to continue', and not letting go of the train of thought - gently...
For there is nothing inherently elusive about happiness, it is simple that we are unfamiliar with it – so it is probably time to become better acquainted.
We can try an experiment here, a visualisation.
Imagine you are happy, now. Not over elated, but contented and peaceful, and visualise that from this initial thought a gentle curling plume arises, and for as long as you can track or follow this passing, you will remain happy.
Try it...
This process is an aspect of training your mind to maintain happiness, peace, and contentment. The more proficient you become at this practice the easier it will become to maintain, as they say 'practice makes perfect', and should you practice to the extent that you master this art, there is never any need to let go, oh, unless you choose to...
This is a pro-active engagement, not a passive witnessing, it will take gentle and persistent practice to hold your mind where you wish it to remain.
And, there is nothing like meditation to learn these practical skills... Click here.. BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
Holding onto happiness - how can it be done? It may seem elusive, even impossible, like catching a wisp of smoke, gone as soon as it is caught.
But happiness does not need to be caught, held onto, or even captured, as the process of holding onto happiness is really a matter of not letting happiness go…
There is a logical first step here, and that is to find happiness within your mind, and this happiness is closely related to your peaceful mind - it is said that 'a peaceful mind is a happy mind'.
And, like following a wisp of smoke, one does not interfere, one simply observes - so, in practice this means following your train of thought, and maintain the flow…
You can start by finding happiness or contentment, now, in your mind, by recalling your understanding, or experience of happiness and deciding 'I wish this to continue', and not letting go of the train of thought - gently...
For there is nothing inherently elusive about happiness, it is simple that we are unfamiliar with it – so it is probably time to become better acquainted.
We can try an experiment here, a visualisation.
Imagine you are happy, now. Not over elated, but contented and peaceful, and visualise that from this initial thought a gentle curling plume arises, and for as long as you can track or follow this passing, you will remain happy.
Try it...
This process is an aspect of training your mind to maintain happiness, peace, and contentment. The more proficient you become at this practice the easier it will become to maintain, as they say 'practice makes perfect', and should you practice to the extent that you master this art, there is never any need to let go, oh, unless you choose to...
This is a pro-active engagement, not a passive witnessing, it will take gentle and persistent practice to hold your mind where you wish it to remain.
And, there is nothing like meditation to learn these practical skills... Click here.. BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
Monday, 26 October 2009
Holding onto Happiness - 4
4 - As the waves settle
Imagine the interface at the surface of a turbulent ocean, where the air meets the sea. Both move in a turmoil of water and air, the movement is interactive and interdependent.
There exists a similar relationship, that between the breath and the mind. Our experience tells us that if our breath is shallow and rapid, our mind tends to be agitated and erratic, and by the same token, if our breathing is deep and slow, our mind is calm.
There is a common experience that we sub-consciously engage in whilst we try to concentrate and focus - we tend to still or even hold our breath. Just consider how you hold your breath as you try and thread a needle.. We still our breath, to still our mind.
We can use this experience in a practical manner as we engage or practice our breathing meditation - we begin to align our breath with the mind, and we begin to align our mind with our breath, and as we do this the movement within the mind begins to still, and our breathing begins to slow and deepen.
As a result, the turbulent interface between the breath and the mind begins to settle..
Recalling the analogy of the ocean's surface, visualise the water settling and calming, as the wind begins to subside and still. And, as the ocean stills, the disturbance within the water subsides, and the water becomes clearer, and clearer, as the suspended particles begin to settle.
As the waves subside, the water clears, and as the breath slows and deepens, the mind clears.
This beautiful process, of the mind clearing, enables a lucidity and clarity, and a profoundly aware stillness.
Within the stillness, small movements become apparent, and it becomes easier and easier to notice thoughts as they arise, and upon noticing movement, from a point of stillness, we can choose to remain in the stillness that exists between the thoughts, choosing to remain with inner peace.
Choose to remain with inner peace.. Found through meditation.. Click here.. BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
Imagine the interface at the surface of a turbulent ocean, where the air meets the sea. Both move in a turmoil of water and air, the movement is interactive and interdependent.
There exists a similar relationship, that between the breath and the mind. Our experience tells us that if our breath is shallow and rapid, our mind tends to be agitated and erratic, and by the same token, if our breathing is deep and slow, our mind is calm.
There is a common experience that we sub-consciously engage in whilst we try to concentrate and focus - we tend to still or even hold our breath. Just consider how you hold your breath as you try and thread a needle.. We still our breath, to still our mind.
We can use this experience in a practical manner as we engage or practice our breathing meditation - we begin to align our breath with the mind, and we begin to align our mind with our breath, and as we do this the movement within the mind begins to still, and our breathing begins to slow and deepen.
As a result, the turbulent interface between the breath and the mind begins to settle..
Recalling the analogy of the ocean's surface, visualise the water settling and calming, as the wind begins to subside and still. And, as the ocean stills, the disturbance within the water subsides, and the water becomes clearer, and clearer, as the suspended particles begin to settle.
As the waves subside, the water clears, and as the breath slows and deepens, the mind clears.
This beautiful process, of the mind clearing, enables a lucidity and clarity, and a profoundly aware stillness.
Within the stillness, small movements become apparent, and it becomes easier and easier to notice thoughts as they arise, and upon noticing movement, from a point of stillness, we can choose to remain in the stillness that exists between the thoughts, choosing to remain with inner peace.
Choose to remain with inner peace.. Found through meditation.. Click here.. BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Holding onto Happiness - 3
3 – Clarity and purity
So, as we venture around our mountain once again, we follow a path, a somehow familiar path, but a path that is new, as we are reaching a higher ground as our starting point is not the same, we began our journey some time ago.
The air, as we ascend the mountain, becomes clearer and becomes purer, and as a result of this experience we can begin to see a little further than previously, noticing distant objects and also a subtle vibrancy to those objects close to us.
This clarity and purity may seem rarefied and unfamiliar at first, but as we acclimatise to our new altitude, a sense of comfort and familiarity develops within our experience. As we draw closer to the pool of inner peace that resides within our minds, we will become aware of a clarity and purity within our minds.
A clarity that is a clearness of mind, like a window cleared of condensation, or the clarity of a newly polished mirror – bright, clear and vibrant. And a purity too, a freedom from impurity, like a cool, clear moonlit night – after the dust has settled from the heat of the day.
The clarity within the mind allows an increased awareness, and a stillness that enables us to notice movement, movement that was hitherto unobserved.
These movements of mind, or passing thoughts, are the cause of so much anxiety and distraction, drawing our attention into the blind alleys of worry and fear.
Using this newly found clarity, it becomes possible to develop a mindfulness, empowering us to notice what is happening within our mind, and further enabling choice – choice as to what we think of, and where we wish to direct our mind.
If you could see clearly, what you wanted to think about, and therefore experience, what would you think?
The first moment, found through the gentle art of meditation... Click here... BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
So, as we venture around our mountain once again, we follow a path, a somehow familiar path, but a path that is new, as we are reaching a higher ground as our starting point is not the same, we began our journey some time ago.
The air, as we ascend the mountain, becomes clearer and becomes purer, and as a result of this experience we can begin to see a little further than previously, noticing distant objects and also a subtle vibrancy to those objects close to us.
This clarity and purity may seem rarefied and unfamiliar at first, but as we acclimatise to our new altitude, a sense of comfort and familiarity develops within our experience. As we draw closer to the pool of inner peace that resides within our minds, we will become aware of a clarity and purity within our minds.
A clarity that is a clearness of mind, like a window cleared of condensation, or the clarity of a newly polished mirror – bright, clear and vibrant. And a purity too, a freedom from impurity, like a cool, clear moonlit night – after the dust has settled from the heat of the day.
The clarity within the mind allows an increased awareness, and a stillness that enables us to notice movement, movement that was hitherto unobserved.
These movements of mind, or passing thoughts, are the cause of so much anxiety and distraction, drawing our attention into the blind alleys of worry and fear.
Using this newly found clarity, it becomes possible to develop a mindfulness, empowering us to notice what is happening within our mind, and further enabling choice – choice as to what we think of, and where we wish to direct our mind.
If you could see clearly, what you wanted to think about, and therefore experience, what would you think?
The first moment, found through the gentle art of meditation... Click here... BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
Friday, 23 October 2009
Holding onto Happiness - 2
2 - Inner stillness
As we sit, here and now, what is our experience?
From the motion of the far universe, the circular motions of the solar system, to the rotation of planet Earth, all is in motion.
And from where we sit, and what we see, motion is all around us. We see the clouds move across the sky, the wind blowing in the trees, the traffic of people and transport all around us, and even as we sit in our room, again all around us is in motion – from the flicker of our screens, to the motes of dust that circulate amidst the gentle currents of air around us.
And even then, when we close our eyes, and sit, still, all around us is in motion. The sense awareness that fluctuates around and within our bodies, the circulation of heat and digestion, the sounds that entice us, to the itches and aches that urge to keep us moving.
So, where can we find stillness and true inner peace? Where does it truly reside?
At the centre, the central stillpoint, resides the mind, and that too is in constant motion, as the process of thought and cognition continue. Is there no stillness to be found? Anywhere?
The movement, the motion, in and around us is called ‘the dance of constant motion, but though movement both external and bodily are not within our capacity to still or to control, it is possible to still the movement and fluctuations within our minds.
And this understanding, this wisdom, is the key that opens the door to inner peace.
Being aware that stillness can be found within, and that stillness actually resides within, might not be immediately apparent, but through the practices of contemplation and meditation, this stillness, our inner peace shall be located and experienced.
Perhaps a momentary glimpse initially, but once seen, never forgotten.
A simple, but profound first step along the pathway to inner peace and happiness, the first moment of an awakening mind, experiencing happiness by choice, not by chance.
The first moment, found through the gentle art of meditation... Click here... BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
As we sit, here and now, what is our experience?
From the motion of the far universe, the circular motions of the solar system, to the rotation of planet Earth, all is in motion.
And from where we sit, and what we see, motion is all around us. We see the clouds move across the sky, the wind blowing in the trees, the traffic of people and transport all around us, and even as we sit in our room, again all around us is in motion – from the flicker of our screens, to the motes of dust that circulate amidst the gentle currents of air around us.
And even then, when we close our eyes, and sit, still, all around us is in motion. The sense awareness that fluctuates around and within our bodies, the circulation of heat and digestion, the sounds that entice us, to the itches and aches that urge to keep us moving.
So, where can we find stillness and true inner peace? Where does it truly reside?
At the centre, the central stillpoint, resides the mind, and that too is in constant motion, as the process of thought and cognition continue. Is there no stillness to be found? Anywhere?
The movement, the motion, in and around us is called ‘the dance of constant motion, but though movement both external and bodily are not within our capacity to still or to control, it is possible to still the movement and fluctuations within our minds.
And this understanding, this wisdom, is the key that opens the door to inner peace.
Being aware that stillness can be found within, and that stillness actually resides within, might not be immediately apparent, but through the practices of contemplation and meditation, this stillness, our inner peace shall be located and experienced.
Perhaps a momentary glimpse initially, but once seen, never forgotten.
A simple, but profound first step along the pathway to inner peace and happiness, the first moment of an awakening mind, experiencing happiness by choice, not by chance.
The first moment, found through the gentle art of meditation... Click here... BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
Holding onto Happiness - 1
1 - Going around the mountain…
To climb a mountain, to realise a goal, is to undertake a journey, or follow a path.
Ideally, to reach the summit, a clear and direct ascent would be the quickest and shortest path, but as any mountaineer will tell you, this would be highly unlikely and involves far more difficulty than taking the considered and intelligent route.
Traditionally, the inner journey to the peace and stillness that resides within is one that involves patience and also a gentle approach, as though progress may be rapid, an easing into a new inner location requires both the creation of new habits of mind and the abandonment of past, familiar uncomfortable mind sets.
So, whilst breaking habits quickly and deftly might suit some, on the whole a gradual shift of emphasis and familiarity will facilitate an easy re-alignment of awareness.
Our journey to the sanctuary of inner peace, serenity and tranquillity is like a pathway to the summit of a mountain, so, we can follow a gentle pathway, a route around the mountain, that brings us back close to our starting point, but a little closer to our destination, and, as we continue through both the passage of time and our circumambulation of the mountain, week by week, we will be covering similar though fresh ground, but reaching a higher altitude, closer to the summit.
This spiralling path helps us to gradually close in to our goal, making gentle and progressive inward ripples, guiding us surely towards our inner peace.
And, as we become aware of our inner stillness, our inner peace, a sense of happiness and contentment will arise. Not an elation or breathless excitement, but a beautiful awareness of our truth that lies within - the truth that peace, happiness and contentment are found within.
And from this initial recognition, the opportunity to allow this peace to radiate throughout the mind and into our very selves, and eventually into the world we inhabit… Slowly around the mountain.
And, as it has been said 'A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step', and that first step, towards inner peace, can be that of a breathing meditation... Click here... BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
To climb a mountain, to realise a goal, is to undertake a journey, or follow a path.
Ideally, to reach the summit, a clear and direct ascent would be the quickest and shortest path, but as any mountaineer will tell you, this would be highly unlikely and involves far more difficulty than taking the considered and intelligent route.
Traditionally, the inner journey to the peace and stillness that resides within is one that involves patience and also a gentle approach, as though progress may be rapid, an easing into a new inner location requires both the creation of new habits of mind and the abandonment of past, familiar uncomfortable mind sets.
So, whilst breaking habits quickly and deftly might suit some, on the whole a gradual shift of emphasis and familiarity will facilitate an easy re-alignment of awareness.
Our journey to the sanctuary of inner peace, serenity and tranquillity is like a pathway to the summit of a mountain, so, we can follow a gentle pathway, a route around the mountain, that brings us back close to our starting point, but a little closer to our destination, and, as we continue through both the passage of time and our circumambulation of the mountain, week by week, we will be covering similar though fresh ground, but reaching a higher altitude, closer to the summit.
This spiralling path helps us to gradually close in to our goal, making gentle and progressive inward ripples, guiding us surely towards our inner peace.
And, as we become aware of our inner stillness, our inner peace, a sense of happiness and contentment will arise. Not an elation or breathless excitement, but a beautiful awareness of our truth that lies within - the truth that peace, happiness and contentment are found within.
And from this initial recognition, the opportunity to allow this peace to radiate throughout the mind and into our very selves, and eventually into the world we inhabit… Slowly around the mountain.
And, as it has been said 'A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step', and that first step, towards inner peace, can be that of a breathing meditation... Click here... BREATHING & RELAXATION MEDITATION
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