Words of encouragement #1

“Meditation is good for nothing.” [1]

Here we go: the first of 10 messages of encouragement spread over the coming three weeks. You and I are embarking on an experiment in supporting each other at a distance. Fifty-plus people have agreed to participate. My job will be to practice alongside and to post short assignments to guide our meditation and mindfulness practice.

Let the quote at the top remind us of the risky nature of expectations: the more we want something, the more suffering it can cause by not meeting the desired outcome. So, best to approach each assignment with child-like curiosity and playfulness.

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A few words about the ever-busy monkey mind. Nancy Colier writes [2] that the purpose of meditation “is not to change the nature of the monkey, not to turn it into a basset hound. Rather, the purpose is simply to observe the monkey — to SEE what is happening within your own mind and your own self. That’s it! Nothing fancy, but everything necessary. Noticing the mind jumping about — doing its monkey thing — is meditation. If the mind quiets as a result of being observed (which it often does), that’s wonderful, but whether it does or not is of no consequence.”

Thus cautioned, I invite you now to decide on how many minutes you intend to sit (or lie) each day. Based on previous experience, at what time of the day, and where exactly will you be meditating? You can always extend your sitting time, but I suggest you begin with a measure that’s realistic and achievable. If you need a voice to guide you, use any of my recordings. If you miss a day or time, make up for it as soon as is practical. Select a specific place for your daily practice: light a candle, if you wish, and set a timer to ring when time’s up.

Finally, and this is an important feature of our experiment, keep a log near your seat and record when and for how long you meditated. Jot down a short description, especially the ‘taste & tone’ of your experience. Make specific observations, as in “I noticed …”. Watch out for the inner critic, simple make a note what it has to say, then let it go like a cloud in the sky.

May you be at ease.


[1] Shohaku Okumura (translator). The Zen Teaching of Homeless Kodo. Wisdom Publications, 2014, ch. 5.
[2] Nancy Colier. “Why meditate? How not trying to change creates change.” Psychology Today. 2013. Full text.

2018-09-17T18:05:55-07:00March 20th, 2018|3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Barbara Clough 22 March 2018 at 03:50 - Reply

    I would love to participate, as mixed up as I am right now!

  2. Barbara 24 March 2018 at 15:06 - Reply

    Me, too! Thanks, Peter.

  3. Maryna Marchuk 26 March 2018 at 16:06 - Reply

    Thank you for reminding that meditation is good for nothing. It helps!

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