In this episode of 12-Minute Meditation, Mindful founding editor Barry Boyce leads us in an inquiry practice to become aware of our preconceptions, loosen our grip on what we think we know, and explore what’s true.
What our heart feels is influenced by what our mind sees. Preconceptions govern what we see and what we perceive. Sometimes these habitual patterns are helpful to us.
When the storms of life hit, your body can be a place of refuge and healing.
My beagle, Little Bit, can sense a storm gathering. The reason I know this is because Little Bit uses the language of her body to communicate her fear. From just the slightest shift in air pressure, her chunky little body starts quivering. Then, at the first clap of thunder, she springs off her stubby legs and torpedoes herself through the air, taking aim for the familiar protection of my arms. I am her port in a storm.
After World War II, the United Nations was established in 1945 to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.” Unfortunately, since then, some 250 armed conflicts have broken out around the world, claiming hundreds of millions of lives. Today our world seems to be in a never-ending cycle of war and devastation.
Zazen Is the Dharma Gate of Comfort and Ease (The Way of Peace of Mind)
In our lives, we find we have entered into a labyrinth of conflicts and perplexities from which there seems to be no way out. Our nerves are frayed because of the complications of human relationships. Isn’t it at such a time that from the bottom of our hearts we desire to find peace and tranquillity by quietly seeking for the Way of Peace of Mind? It is when we become aware of our anxiety that we begin to sit in zazen.
From your facial muscles down to your toes, body scan meditation can relieve stress and help you discover what your body really needs.
In a body scan, we systematically focus our attention on different parts of our body, from our feet to the muscles in our face. This creates a rare opportunity for us to experience our body as it is, without judging or trying to change it.