Meditation for Thursday 30th June 2022
There are three very important aspects to our meditation practice..
Most importantly CONCENTRATION. It’s when we focus our attention so that we can let go of those distractions that keep popping up in our mind. This is difficult for most people even the most experienced meditators. Distractions are natural and we can never get rid of them completely. We should not be alarmed if on occasion the entire time we devote to meditation is full of distractions.
With concentration, when in the present moment we are restored, refreshed. As you know I am not prescriptive about the methods but I find concentrating on the breath to be helpful. You might have your own way. If it works for you, that’s all that matters! If you’re struggling to find a method for concentrating then don’t hesitate to speak with me or an experienced meditator who can help you overcome some of the obstacles. I pay attention to each in-and-out breath, and when my mind wanders, and it does regularly, I let go of the thought and return to concentrating on my breath.
MINDFULNESS is complimentary to meditation and can be practiced without the need for interior concentration. Regular mindfulness moments will greatly assist you when you come to meditation. In mindfulness you can observe your thoughts and feelings avoiding knee-jerk responses for a more truthful reaction to what’s going on in the present.
COMPASSION. Be assured that if you live your life practicing regularly and making mindfulness part of your everyday routine your degree of compassion or capacity to love will be greatly enhanced. We are better able to see people clearly as the transformation that takes place in our life effects our family, friends and everyone we meet.
And now let’s meditate in the fashion that you are most accustomed. You might like to dedicate this meditation practice to the people of the Ukraine, to those affected by the earthquake in Afghanistan or you might have some other worthy intention.
MEDITATION
I invite you to explore the offerings presented by the Carmelite Centre by going to www.thecarmelitecentremelbourne.org