A New Way to Practice

Sitting With Oneself

“One can practice meditation simply by being aware of one's body or of one's breathing or of all the sensations that are going on inside oneself, a practice that sounds very easy but which is extremely demanding.”

William Johnston

In his workshop, A Religion of One's Own, and also in the book, Thomas Moore does what seems like heresy in the meditation world. He suggests that instead of attempting to clear the mind, or even to allow thoughts to float through without attachment, that you pay close attention to them. That you listen to the sounds around you, and that you lose yourself in them. It is the opposite of what I've been told in every meditation class I've ever attended. The business of clearing the mind is what keeps most people away from meditation after a few attempts—for some it is quite simply impossible.

The goal of meditation, according to Sharon Salzberg, who teaches all over the world, is not to reach a particular state of mind, but to bring added clarity to whatever experience you're having in the moment. She recommends an attitude of openness and curiosity rather than judgement and expectation. In other words, the goal is simply to be present with as much of yourself as possible. So keep it simple.

It is so much easier to approach a practice like sitting meditation when you take the demand of silent mind out of it. According to some of the most spiritual teachers I have known, an attitude of “allowing” might replace one of “doing.” We don't have to follow a prescribed form and render ourselves frustrated beyond tolerance; we can simply allow ourselves to pay attention to our inner monologue, or listen to the birds singing outside, or to the sound of distant trains. All are part of one Whole.

                                                    In the Spirit,

                                                         Jane