Meditation ?

The word is just as confusing and misunderstood as 'mindfulness'!

Most people who practise 'meditation' and/or 'mindfulness' discover that neither are what they thought they were and both are evolving and transforming in a uniquely personal way.

It may help to note some common misconceptions or expectations.

Meditation is not retreat from the world or from activity. It can be engagement with and preparation for reality and practical living.

Meditation is not Relaxation, though it can sometimes be relaxing.

Meditation is not therapy.

Meditation is not breathing in special ways, though breathing is a good idea!

Meditation does not require sitting in awkward positions, candles, incense, or Sanskrit mantras

Meditation is not religion.

Meditation is not exclusively or even particularly Buddhist or Eastern.

The purpose of meditation is not to be peaceful and happy, though such conditions may sometimes arrive.

So what is meditation?

We see clearly what meditation is when we drop all the things that it isn't.

We approach it without expectation and then practise without agenda

'The flower invites the butterfly with no mind

The butterfly visits the flower with no mind

The flower opens, the butterfly comes

the butterfly comes, the flower opens

(Ryokan)