Greetings my British Cousins,
I write this article to you on the first day of the Spring Equinox, a time of renewal. At last, the harsh and lengthy winter here in the 1000 Islands of Upstate New York has begun to lose its monotonous melancholy grip of snow and cold on Mother Earth. Much to my delight, the daffodils are coming up through the thawed soil.
Being a late baby boomer, I grew up with the horrors of the Vietnam War. So, I have found the attack on Iran challenging to digest. With these world events, more than ever, I need to find a state of inner calm – a way to sidestep the urge to give in to the despair of melancholy. No primal scream needed, though it has crossed my mind.
Finding inner peace
Simple meditation, nurturing walks outdoors, and last, but not least, a good cup of tea, are my tools. Let me share my own free-form method of meditation. Yes, it’s lovely if one has a designated meditation area with all the accessories of cushions, incense, Tibetan bowls, crystals, the sounds of monks chanting and so on. But none of this is necessary.
I begin my meditation at no set time or location. When I sense agitation or disconnect with my inner calm, I focus on my breathing – making certain my breath is deep and regular.
Next, I dismiss thoughts that are distracting me, clearing my mind of concerns and trifles. Not easy, but a vital step. Following this, I take an inventory of my body. Am I sore? Am I aware of the blood flow through my body? And last, am I relaxed, whether sitting or walking? Here a good stretch or two is helpful. No need for a formal yoga stretch. I just stand and reach upwards to the universe and then down by my sides.
Then, I breathe and feel my entire being begin to relax and rejuvenate.
Quieting the inner self
Over the years, I’ve known those who struggle with the concept of quieting one’s inner self to meditate. My impression is that this struggle often comes from internal wrestling with one’s own self-image. Should you find difficulty with this, here is an exercise to help you. I suggest looking into a mirror at your reflection and repeat to yourself, “I am a good person, worthy of love and kindness.” I felt a fool when I first did this. Yet over time, I discovered my own reflection change into that of a man who was truly worthy of love and kindness.
Find a peaceful place to meditate – a place away from any distractions in your household. Meander out into the garden and select a comfortable spot or take a stroll in a nearby park. The important thing is to find an environment that nourishes your senses. We can rarely escape the modern world; so, when I hear a car passing, I liken the sound to that of a flowing stream. A change in perspective is a surprisingly powerful tool.
One-minute meditation
I have reached a point where I can have what I call a one-minute meditation, even while walking my rambunctious border terriers. True enough, I have journeyed many years with meditation as my companion; yet meditation is like any muscle – the more often one uses it, the stronger it becomes.
Author’s photos. Used with permission
My belief is that meditation doesn’t need to be long in time. Just so you experience that near imperceptible shift into a state of calm emotional wellness.
As time progresses, you will find meditation becomes reflexive. Life will get much easier. Keep in mind some things may never be easy, but, in my experience, they do ease.
There is no right way or wrong way to achieve a state of inner calm. Ultimately, it is what works for you and your life. What I have described above works brilliantly for me at any given hour of the day and in any environment. It is my genuine hope that these techniques may guide or inspire you towards meditation.
Spring, the time of rebirth
While walking the dogs this Spring Equinox morning, I rang my bronze double dragon bell in the birch grove, hearing its voice ring true, and imagining, as I do, that it dispels any unwelcome energy that might have drifted my way. Fanciful thinking? Maybe. But at the very least, I profit from the beauty of the singing radiating from the bell.
My focus turns to the soft cooing of the returning doves and the solitary robin sizing up his or her territory for nesting in the coming days. Overhead, high in the sky, the ducks and geese are migrating north and squawking with excitement as they near their spring nesting grounds.
Marveling at nature as I do, this is undoubtedly a cornerstone component of my meditation. More marvels will arrive as spring advances.
But now it is time to turn to my third tool for inner peace – my morning cup of tea.
Adieu.
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