“Please, when you practice meditation, don’t make any effort. Allow yourself to be like a pebble at rest. The pebble rests at the bottom of the river, and it does not have to do anything. While you are walking, you are resting. While you are sitting, you are resting.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh
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I love this description of meditation’s simplicity and liberation of the mind. People often ask me how I meditate and what steps I take, and the answer always surprises them.
“You don’t have to do anything,” I say. “You just have to be and let your mind go where it wishes, no rules, no mistakes, no pressure.”
I tell my students that there is a right way to meditate. Wherever your mind goes is fine.
The image of the pebble resting at the bottom of the river is perfect. Meditation has gone so much food for me, my mind has never been freer.
All of us will be challenged, frightened, and distracted during this time and for the foreseeable future. I want to prepare myself for that in a positive and meaningful way that turns away from anger and fear. Anger and fear accomplish little or nothing.
I need to look inward, not just outward.
This time will bring so many of us together for the first time and for real. It is inevitable that time has never been more open to something new and uplifting.
That will be an uplifting and exciting time; I am waiting for it to emerge; every day seems to bring it closer. In my meditation this morning, I could picture a leader of compassion and vision emerging from the dust and chaos and leading us to a kindler, better place.
Sitting down to meditate, I can see and feel it, which lifts my heart. After this, I will spend some time at the bottom of the river, not doing anything but feeling something tangible and beautiful.
That is not nothing.
Jon thank you for your deliberate support through this very difficult presidential campaign and elections. You have kept our spirits up through a time when many were fearful of the election outcome. You have pointed a way to lessen our anxities. And now, that the election has produced the upcoming changes in the presidency, while not of my choosing although in Canada we are nervous bystanders to us elections. It will be interesting to see how the changes Mr. Trump intends to bring forward will affect our way of living, both in the US and in Canada for we are close neighbours. What affects the US, affects Canada. His many abrupt and tough changes may or may not produce what he may hope for but I believe that he is a catalyst for change and if these changes work, good. If not I believe that he may be a catalyst for a widespread change we are all looking for. A spiritually joined nation for the betterment of all. I just have this feeling that whatever happens, he will be the catalyst for the betterment of human kind. I don’t say that Mr. Trumps policies when implemented will provide this but they may point out what is wrong in society today. We and I speak for both countries, need to be more spiritulally minded and you are bringing this to us, hopefully it will continue and grow.
Sandy Small Proudfoot, Ontario, Canada
Jon: I have a question. Could you kindly share the title of the book by Thich Nhat Hanh which you quote?
Thanking you in advance. Marcia
Marcia, I use several different Thick Nhat Hanh books, not just one. I would suggest you go on Amazon; all of his books are listed. The book I have used most frequently lately is “Your True Home.” I’d browse around for the one that’s best for you. Good luck with it.
thank you so much
After reading this ever interesting comment on meditation, I am compelled to write to you regarding the meditation classes you conducted at the Mansion and your decision, when finally invited, not to return. I would encourage you to reconsider as the residents who so benefited from your sessions are the innocent victims here. The profit-oriented company which has purchased the Mansion (as they have continued to do nation wide) has no interest in providing services or enrichment which is essential for these poor souls who, as you have commented, sometimes arrive without even sufficient clothing. You and Maris provided a special caring service t them and I know the residents would be thrilled to see you! The staff, which seemed so caring, has been (apparently) replaced with lower paid workers who simply do a job without taking a personal interest in the residents. This is cruel and unusual punishment for people who have done nothing wrong other than to age and to lack resources. You offered them a consistent ray of hope and something which could make them feel special. I thank you for your many kindnesses to them in the past and urge you to reconsider!
Gene
Thanks, Gene; I appreciate your very good-hearted request. This is a very personal and painful decision, and I made it alone. I’m not comfortable sharing the details with people I don’t know (or do know.) And I don’t look for other people’s advice in such a matter. I see you are a good and kind man, but for now, I won’t be going to the Mansion to resume the class, which takes considerable time and research. I use the blog and my writing where it does the most good, not just where it’s comfortable or familiar to strangers. Right now, that place of doing the most good is the food pantry. There is much cruelty and suffering there. So many people are suffering, and I don’t presume I can heal them all. I would burn out in a flash.
No one but me is in a position to know what decisions I need to make. The company that has taken over the Mansion seems void of humanity. But then, I don’t know them either, and none has spoken to me.
I share my life but don’t turn it over to others. And I will take responsibility for it. I’m sorry you have different feelings, but ultimately, this is my business and my decision alone. I do appreciate your concern and kind words.