“We are training ourselves to be distracted.”
-Andy Puddicombe, Headspace
Agree?
What impact does technology have on our lives?
It’s the most popular question Andy hears at Headspace, a company set-up to help people meditate.
Why does instinct tell you high-tech is harmful?
In the wake of May 21st, it’s time to rediscover that answer.
Long gone is the billowing factory smoke. Absent is the industrial scar that blanketed India’s urban ground. This stain robs the country of its mysticism. It’s a mysticism that gave birth to meditation eons ago.
Millions walked out underneath the steam of the exhaust fumes of cultural doubt. There, they fell into new streams of consciousness.
The benefits of their meditation are here to reveal and revive you.
Forgotten Space
But first, do you remember cloud-gazing? Puffy, lazy clouds bounce overhead. Look skyward to build cumulus castles. Climb on to the cirrus to travel to faraway lands. Discover nimbus, nimble creatures of wonder. No rush of boredom moves you to start another activity.
Back then, your imagination was the only vehicle you needed to drive home. You unlocked a world of marvels void of criticism and praise. You were happy lying there. Overlooking the edge of the cliff of a mountainscape’s moment of bliss, you were enjoying the now.
What happened?
How to Reconnect to This Innocence
You and I need a new mantra to chant for the Universe.
Take me to those castles in the sky
Lift my hand, and we’ll fly
As high as two souls can climb
-Jeff Syblik
The time has arrived.
Yesterday, World Meditation Day unfolded to bring you back to childhood days. Return to that moment of innocence and vitality.
On May 21st, Eastern religions gathered to celebrate a time of reflection. Will you carry on with their work?
- Make meditation a habit.
- Reserve quality time.
- Find a quiet, familiar place.
- And well, breathe.
Yesterday’s Legacy
In days gone by, meditation opened mental windows swooshing in the breeze of clarity. If it was scary to meet with an all-powerful Universe, Eastern leaders have paved the way to this inner light.
- Believe their release of positive thoughts helps you move closer to it.
- Settle down to twist off the foil wrapper of unconditional love.
- Taste the sweetness of Socrates’ examined life
Group Power-up
Studies show group meditations come with many benefits. Cities, where meditative groups gather, have enjoyed:
This data is a sample of the many results shown in areas of consistent group meditation.
In the Catholic tradition, many believe collective rosary meditation has led to:
- The fall of the Berlin Wall
- Conversion of enemies to their Faith
- Weakening of Communism
No one knows why group meditation works, but still there’s evidence to support it. You can plug into these benefits of group meditation.
On May 21st, many new participants retrained themselves to be present in the now. You can build on that momentum. You and I still have much to empty out of our minds. A desire for control and frustrations due to life-situations are a few examples.
This negative energy is a fitting offering to our compassionate Universe.
Why?
Meditation makes a connection to release your negative energy. It’s the process to become one with the light of perfect enlightenment. The East still has much to teach the West about this process.
So, how do you know when enlightenment brushes by you?
- Thoughts of meditative groups often trickle into your mind
- When you’re nourished by these thoughts, you know fulfillment is close.
- See a glimpse of your enlightenment shine?
Eleven Collective Gems from World Meditation Day
1. I’m genuine and happy.
2. I’m at peace and have found serenity.
3. I see compassion, love, and kindness in my actions.
4. I must create harmony in my body, mind, and soul.
5. I’m willing to lead.
6. I search for insight to understand myself and others.
7. I’m dedicated.
8. I’m strong.
9. I’m centered.
10. I’m patient and understanding.
11. Humility and holiness are magical qualities.
These are some thoughts of the collective consciousness. Read more to pry their shells apart. Savor their pearls of wisdom.
I’m Genuine and Happy
Dodging and embracing suffering takes practice, but its pain is passing. You have a rose to lay on the tomb of your disappointed dreams. Albeit losing loved ones or plans going south, people and circumstances will kick the snot out of your ego.
Still, this is an opportunity in disguise. Ego annihilation can be a divine gift.
It leads to forgiveness and then a release. It’s a grace of liberty from those who once hurt you. Mistakes are part of everyone’s journey. Lesson learning will be never-ending.
I’m at Peace and Have Found Serenity
There’s an ancient cave text called the Desiderata. It tells its followers that all events unfold according to divine plans. This belief is the pathway to peace. You have created your own fears and monsters. Peace comes when you let go of blame and judgment of others.
Serenity arrives when you also free yourself and bond with pure energy.
Light the flame that is unconditional love.
I See Compassion, Love, and Kindness in my Actions
You care for people without thought of winning affection, respect, or love in return. Realize that connection with people will intensify your growth.
Yet, forget that truth. Love and serve all, ready to be a guide if necessary.
I Must Create Harmony in my Body, Soul, and Mind
You long for wholeness. Pay attention to what you put in your body, mind, and soul. Take time to exercise, sleep, rest, and play.
Be holistic. Your organic diet is a start. Stay mindful of any overindulgence. Once these instances unveil, try to learn from them and change your habits.
I’m Willing to Lead
You are open to leadership. If you are a leader, it’s not for want of power, favor, or fame. People need that kind of guidance. Lead by example. It’s not easy to show others how to free themselves from hurt and desire for control.
Living within your beliefs, your spirit and positive nature are contagious. People feel the radiation of Divine light through you.
I Search for Insight to Better Understand Myself and Others
You believe mankind was created to do good works.
- Look for insight through a daily review of your day’s activities.
- When you see moments of tension in your relationships, reconcile with your thoughts.
- Give your neighbor and his actions pardon and mercy for any offense.
Every second is a chance to learn more about yourself, neighbors, or the Divine. Denial of judgment toward people awakens curiosity and acceptance. This viewpoint gives you a non-bias place to really see events. Then, enter the world and suggest a fresh path and a process so that others can by-pass their obstacles.
I’m Dedicated
Your spiritual growth reveals that you must work to become a pure vessel.
Without this growth you will not be ready to carry the message of unconditional love to the world.
This takes consistency. Become aware of your faults, strengths and behavior patterns. Yet commit to over-learning about them. The culprit of hurt, the ego, unveils and hides itself. You must release it each time it surfaces.
I’m Strong
Your strength comes from the successful mental battles with:
- Unhealthy connections (co-dependency)
- The pull of obsessions
- The desire for dominance
You meet trials, tribulations, and disappointments that often distract. But you rise above them and show growth. You’ve discovered and practiced healthy strategies to cope with emotion. Now, embrace creative outlets which give you a buoyancy other people cannot fathom.
I’m Centered
You visualize yourself as a cup ready to fill. Hollowed-out, yet full of cracks, you’ve been given the spark of divine l
I’m patient and understanding
Every living thing releases energy. It either flows and grows or blocks and wilts. Energy’s fate relies on our choices.
You’re patient. Watch the tragedy or comedy of kindred and lost souls unfold. Depending on the circumstances around you, become the cheerleader or intercessor. You accept the consequences of others’ choices as the price of their journey and yours.
Humility and Holiness are Magical Qualities
There’s something mystical that happens when we admit our shortcomings and quirks. Plus, when we treat others kindly, these characteristics pull us to attract a following.
Walk past the spotlight and shine it on those that help you, and you’ll leave crowds in awe. Thank the guides who help you become better.
When present as compassion in the lives around you, reach for a plateau of genuineness. Here, there’s no prized trophy to win, no new goal to achieve, only the call to be our best self.
Wrapping Up the Treasures
Here are some ways to glimpse and attract the collective enlightenment:
- Write a page of gratefulness to the Universe every day
- Let go of thoughts of jealousy, envy, and cynicism
- Form a true love for all humanity
- Meditate wherever and whenever possible
- Meditate often as a group
- Set up and take part in compassionate acts
Give to receive; receive to give. When you do this, you enter a cycle of renewal. It is no accident you are at peace. Commune with love, mercy, and charity. If you got a better sense of enlightenment, please like and share this post. Also, add your insights from your meditative experiences.
Enlightenment is a spiraling journey to the peak of many mountains.
There are pathways that move us up and down their terrain. Enjoy the climb. See you next World Meditation Day.