We have spent the last couple of months systematically working our way through the eight limbs. Slowly and effortfully trying to concentrate. Getting our minds under control, only to arrive at the penultimate sutra which, essentially, is to stop thinking.
It makes sense. After all, the goal of meditation is to live in the space “between the thoughts,” until that space expands to encompass most of our time. Or, at the very least, most of our meditation time.
Let the River Run
We’re coming to the edge,
Carly Simon
Running on the water,
Coming through the fog,
Your sons and daughters.
I love this song. I use it in yoga classes a lot (and wind up singing it for the rest of the day after I teach). Something about the image of water flowing just feels so yogic to me. Well, as it turns out, it’s also fairly universal image for meditation/mindfulness.
We let the mind flow. It doesn’t mean that we don’t think at all. It does mean that we’re fully detached from those thoughts. We can think about something without identifying with the thought.
Imagine that you’re out for a walk and you hear a car horn. You don’t suddenly think “I’m a car horn.” You just heard it.
So why, then, when we “hear” a thought, we get so wrapped up in it?
Mind Un-Control
We have spent so much time trying to bring the mind under control which is an invaluable part of recognizing and distinguishing the thinking mind from our sense of Self. By letting our thinking mind know that we’re in control, we take the central seat in our meditation practice.
Only then can we let it all go. The mind will go various places, some of which might be instructive or insightful while others are completely inconsequential, but by observing it from a safe distance, we achieve Dhyana.
Contemplation.
A few images that inspire my meditation and consideration of Dhyana.
Meditation.
In this meditation practice, we employ a simple-yet-powerful breath-counting technique. The idea is to let your focus be fully absorbed in the breath until the concentration inevitably falls away and you’re lost in the space between.
When you notice the thoughts coming back, you simply return to the counting.
Practice.
We relate to our bodies in a flowing, detached way as a sort of moving meditation. We also take a little extra care for what was going on with the Zoom participants’ back issues. (One had low back “stuff” and the other upper back.)
Join future classes, and the week’s flow will be tailored to you, too!
Nothing that appears in this blog or on this website is intended to treat or diagnose any disorder, physical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.