Some insights into meditation

Photo (c) Harish Davda

Photo (c) Harish Davda

Meditation is not about blocking the mind

or controlling thoughts. You can't.

It is not tied to any religion although in many 

spiritual traditions there has always been something 

like meditation or similar so that those following the

spiritual path can go deep within themselves and 'be 

touch with themselves.'

Meditation is not time consuming. Anything from
5 to 20 minutes, twice a day, everyday, is sufficient. 
Later on, when you begin to get into it, you will know 
how much time to spend. The main thing is that you 
follow the technique properly.

So, what is meditation? It is finding a quiet time
for yourself, preferably in the same place, away 
from any disturbance or distraction such as your 
smart phone.

Sit with a straight back, with not too much tension, 
on a chair or on Zafu (meditation cushion).

Close your eyes, take few deep breaths. Then 
concentrate on your breathing. Then just 'be'. 
If thoughts come, don't dwell on them 
(challenging in the beginning),  gently go back to 
breathing, count from one to five. Carry on for 5 to 
20 minutes. Then open your eyes. Use a gentle 
sound with the help of a timer to remind you when the
time is up. You can download an app. there are many 
to choose from. I use 'Insight timer' app which also 
has various guided meditations of various lengths; 
the basic version is free! What I have just described 
is 'mindful meditation'. It's a good way of starting to 
learn to meditate. There are other types of meditation 
as well. Keep an eye on my future blogs!

So, what are the benefits of meditation? By going 
into your inner world where your mind is least active, 
after meditation, when you come back into the outer 
world, you will gradually begin to notice some of the 
following: 
You will be relaxed and peaceful, you will

probably become deeper and begin to see some of the 
things, for example your behaviour and other people's 
behaviour clearly. You will begin to judge other people 
and events less. This will not happen overnight but 
after some serious, regular practice. You may also 

sleep better.

Sometimes negative emotions may arise during your 
meditation. By accepting these emotions, you will 
learn about its source. You will know how to deal
with them when you come back to your outer world. 
This will help you to grow. More on this in another
blog.

Drop me a line and let me know how you are getting
on with your meditation.

See my video on this topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YojdUKEVuVA


I love this quotation by Thich Nhat Hanh:

Photo credit: Instagram @thichnhathanhquotecollective

(c) Harish Davda - 2020
Enneagram and Conscious Business Coach/Consultant/Trainer
harish.davda@gmail.com
Instagram: @harish.davda

Empty your cup: A story - From empty mind to authentic intentions.

Photo: https://www.cleanpng.com/png-teapot-teacup-tea-party-continental-tea-410683/download-png.html

The story goes like this:

There was a Zen monk in Japan over 150 years ago.
He was well know for his teaching and instructions
on Zen Buddhist way of life and practices.

A professor in a nearby university heard about the
monk and decided to enquire about Zen practices.
He went to see the monk. The monk made some tea.
He started to pour tea in the the professor's cup.

When the tea cup was full, the monk continued to pour
the tea. The tea was overflowing and began to spill on
the table. The monk stopped pouring the tea. He looked
at the professor and said, 'You are not ready to learn and to
practice Zen Buddhism. You have many opinions
about Zen. Go empty your cup and then come back.'

The moral of the story:

If you want to do something, empty your mind,
go within, then declare your intentions with clarity.
Then start working and get the results you want.

Our inner world of our essence or consciousness
becomes so authentic that we will not worry about
superficial things in the outer world. Because we
'know' what to do!
                                ==========
“Hell, in my opinion, is never finding your true self and never living your own life or knowing who you are.”
― John Bradshaw

“The moment you become aware of the ego in you, it is strictly speaking no longer the ego, but just an old, conditioned mind-pattern. Ego implies unawareness. Awareness and ego cannot coexist.”
― Eckhart Tolle


(c) Harish Davda 2020
Enneagram Coaching and Conscious Business Consulting.
harish.davda@gmail.com
Instagram: @harish.davda