Meditation

Both/And

“Meditation is to be aware of what is going on—in our bodies, in our feelings, in our minds, and in our world. Each day 40,000 children die of hunger. The superpowers now have more than 50,000 nuclear warheads, enough to destroy our planet many times. Yet, the sunrise is beautiful, and the rose that bloomed this morning along the wall is a miracle. Life is both dreadful and wonderful. To practice meditation is to be in touch with both aspects. Please do not think we must be solemn in order to meditate. In fact, we have to smile a lot.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

I've had many conversations lately with folks saying that they have stopped watching the news, because it's too distressing. I get that. I try to limit my intake, too, especially at night because it interferes with my sleep. But it's also important, I think, to stay informed—it's a balancing act. A steady stream of bad news can cause us to simply give up; but the worst part to me is that it blots out all that is good that is happening side-by-side with the bad. In hard times, it is even more important that we stay aware of both.

Meditation is not something that is done only in a silent, darkened room while sitting on a cushion, and guided by a mantra. Meditation is also intentional awareness. It is paying attention to details; listening and looking and consciously making note of all that is going on within you and around you. All that is ugly, all that is beautiful, all that offends you, all that moves your heart, all that makes you cry, makes you laugh, makes you angry, gives you delight, gives you wonder. In other words, meditation is being fully present with yourself, in your body/mind, and bringing all your capacities into each moment. It takes concentration and focus. Most of all it takes intention. I have to practice being intentional in my focus, otherwise I am distracted by the myriad things that pass through my orbit every minute of every day.

We don't have to block out the terrible things going on in our world, but we do have to balance them with the good. There is human tragedy, and human love. There is incredible hatefulness, and beautiful kindness. There is environmental destruction, and pristine and protected wilderness. One does not eliminate the other. This is a both/and situation. We can learn to hold both in our hearts. We can give ourselves courage and comfort to face the challenges, as well as to celebrate the joys. Take notice today of all that you are, and of all that surrounds you—and remember to smile a lot.

                                                                 In the Spirit,

                                                                     Jane