Why meditate?
So you can see your own pain from all sides! By breathing consciously and drawing attention to what can be left to the subconscious, we give ourselves the gift of openness and malleability. Sitting often develops humility, tempering self-confidence into a sharp blade of self-empowerment. Avoiding the downfall of arrogance gives us more room to change and continually evolve.
Why meditate?
So that you can fully understand your darkness, but not be weighed down by it. Separation of light and dark is an illusion. By giving ourselves the gift of non-judgment and concentration, we can see the chain of dependence of all things internally and externally. Your emotions and mind states need integration, not separation. Sitting often develops spaciousness in the mind, allowing us to see and use negativity in new ways.
Internally alchemizing the weight of the very real darkness in this world gives us freedom. When we are free to allow the world to be as it is, we are able to change and continually evolve. There are rare teachers, but no secret teachings.
There are no shortcuts; the best shortcut is no shortcut. Consistency, honesty with yourself and a willingness to challenge your own mind. Every day. That is the path to meditation, transformation and freedom.
Study the breath. Study the mind. Study the body.
“The Zen mind is the mind of a beginner” (general Zen adage). The problem is that we have to work to become students even if we have the hands of a master. There is no magic formula for meditation. Teachers and technology can convey aspects of meditation, but no one can penetrate your consciousness and meditate for you.
The only way out is inward. The only real teacher is you. Who else but you can really know what’s going on inside?
Reclaim your authority, but remain a student. Own your power, but keep the wisdom.