Time spent on one’s meditation cushion is time well spent, whether or not you feel the benefits immediately or not.
Many people claim that they can’t meditate. Their mind will not become still and they are invaded with constant, relentless thoughts, not the feelings of peace and serenity they have been promised.
The point they are missing however is that meditation is about being with what is, not about being calm or blissful, though these may indeed be the end products of sustained practice. There is no goal as such, but were there one it would be just to be aware. This is, that is, mind is busy, mind is calm.
When the state of awareness is recognised as the state in which all things arise then the calm we originally sought is a natural result of this realisation. It isn’t something we can chase or make happen however, accustomed as we are to active pursuit of all that we seek.
This is something cats know well and much of our time is spent in simple mindfulness of the breath, our meditation cushion, or the sensation of a sunbeam.
Just for this moment allow whatever is present to be present, even if it is something you wish were not. Just allow things to be as they are.
Even to say ‘just be’ creates the illusion that you must do something. You are, that is enough. For this moment it is enough. Then perhaps for the next one it will be too.
What a beautiful post! I am currently doing Deepak Chopra’s 21 day meditation challenge and can relate to “restless thoughts”, but I do feel that something is shifting… Anyway, gorgeous cats and a lovely message!🙂
hahaha…I love it!
Thank you Zen Kitty.
Nice article! I believe than in meditating it is important that you submit yourself fully to it. Meditation often involves an internal effort to self-regulate the mind in some way. -http://www.thestillplace.com/
Wonderful article! I really believe that animals has a way of communicating with the other animals and to the environment. Animals can also sense if there is an earthquake coming and other events.
❤ I love your posts. Thank you for shining your lovely light🙂
I will keep mindful of these words when I become frustrated with my busy mind as I meditate. I really am grateful for these words, thank you.
That’s great! Might even persuade me to give it another go…
gorgeous kitties!
I feel more at ease already just looking at the peaceful presence exuded by you lovely kitties. I think I may just find a sunny spot of my own to practice being as I am🙂
Just what I needed before I fly home tomorrow!
Thank you, Dear Lucinda, and Zen Kitty xx
Those puss cats say it All!
Thankyou Lucinda for the lovely photos and reminder.
Susan x
Beautiful!!!! X
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This is the best explanation for meditation that I’ve found. I used to think I was doing it wrong and eventually quit. This makes sense.
Just simply love this picture……and the message behind it…Elizabeth
Yay, Zen Kitty. Thanks for the nudge on rebuilding my meditation practice. The amount of time I spend has been creeping down as life creeps up…😉
Michael
Nice thoughts on the art of meditation, Lucinda xx I just realized that might be part of my being so drawn to cats… they can just breath and be with no agenda:) Want to share with you that stray Mama’s new name is Sassy, Sassafras. She has moved under my bed and is making brief appearances now… I can lay on my tummy and put my face about 8 inches from her… then we just breathe together and blink at each other🙂 big hugs and much love to you and your furbabies xxxx