This evening, below the orange divide, we are going to practice relaxing with what is, even if only for a moment. Many people think to relax with things as they are means to simply be passive. Nothing could be further from the truth. By allowing ourselves to accept the present reality exactly as it is, our minds can relax which makes room for inspired motivation to appear. Creative concepts for how we might make things better have a better chance to rise to the surface, and when our minds our quiet there is the space for us to recognize inspiration when it happens.
Good evening and welcome to Monday Group Meditation. We will be sitting from 7:30 to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. It is not necessary to sit for the entire extended time, which is set up to make it convenient for people in four North American Time Zones; sit for as long as you like and when it is most convenient for you. Monday Group Meditation is open to everyone, believers and non-believers, who are interested in gathering in silence. If you are new to meditation and would like to try it for yourself, Mindful Nature gave a good description of one way to meditate in an earlier diary, copied and pasted below:
"It is a matter of focusing attention mostly. In many traditions, the idea is to sit and focus on the rising and falling of the breath. Not controlling it, but sitting in a relaxed fashion and merely observing experiences of breathing, sounds, etc. Be aware of your thoughts, but don't engage in them. When your mind wanders (it will, often), then return to focus on breath and repeat."
Sangha Co-hosts for meditation are:
7:30 - 10:00 Ooooh and davehouck
9:30 - 11:00 thanatokephaloides
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What if, just for this moment, we allowed ourselves to just be as we are, with no criticisms, no judgments. What if we just relaxed and let ourselves be OK with all our perfection and imperfections in this moment?
What if, just for this moment, we could let ourselves relax with the conditions in our immediate presence. Even if the neighbor’s dog is barking, or another neighbor is out playing with his new chainsaw, completely without regard for what brings us comfort or discomfort. What if we relaxed with all of that, for just this moment?
What if, just for this moment, we let ourselves relax with conditions here at DailyKos, even if there are people with whom we disagree, even if there are people who disrespect ideas that are different than their own, even if someone espouses an opinion based on faulty data. What if we relaxed with all of that, for just this moment?
What if, just for this moment, we accepted everything in this country just as it is, even if there are corporations buying our politicians, even if there are people who look at the same set of facts we do, and come to a completely opposite position, even if things are not right and seem to be getting worse. What if we just let all of that be OK, just for this moment?
What if, just for this moment, we accepted everything in the world, just as it is, even if the polar ice caps are melting, even if the people in charge of governments and economic policy seem hellbent on destruction, even if the situation seems totally dire, even if it seem like there is nothing one can do. What if we just let all of that be exactly as it is and relaxed, just for this moment.
What if we took such a break from all the things that appear so wrong, and just relaxed, and breathed deeply…and…just…let…things…be…exactly as they are? What if we extended that break for 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 20 minutes?
What if in the time that we are relaxing with things just as they are, we become acquainted with the absolute peace that is beyond all opposition? What if during our break, we remember the beauty of the sun reflecting on rippling water? What if, during the time of our relaxation, we recall the scent of lilacs? …or the feel of a soft, warm breeze caressing our bare skin in the summer? …or the sound of water in a brook, gurgling as it trips and tumbles over the rocks in it’s path? …or the roar of the surf at the beach? …the scent of your favorite food grilling over open coals? …or the beauty of the sun light filtered through the green leaves of the trees? …or the gentle touch of a lover’s lips on our own?
What if recalling all this and more, restores us and allows us to face the world with renewed energy and commitment? What if we let ourselves relax with everything, without regard for all the things that we like or dislike, without regard for the things that bring us comfort or discomfort, without regard for all the things we deem right or wrong? What if, just for this moment, we could just let it all be…just as it is…and relax…and just be OK…just for this moment?