I am in Wildwood, New Jersey on the Jersey Shore for three weeks of playing shows (for those of you who don't know I am a professional musician). If you follow this blog you probably know that I like to run and it is very much part of my meditation practice. Like walking meditation, I anchor my attention on the step, my breathing and/or envisioning a candle or blue light in my mind.
I went for a run today on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean. I NEVER experienced anything like it...I started with my steps and often I will "zone out" and not notice my surroundings. I have not wanted to have a goal in mind or somewhere to run to. I realized today that much of that is wrong. Part of being present is being TOTALLY AWARE OF MY PRESENT STATE AND SURROUNDINGS. It was a beautiful day...the sun shining, the sky crystal blue, birds, children, dogs, people running, walking...smiling. The ocean is so alive in the morning. I anchored my attention on the sound of the ocean and the feel of the sand beneath my feet...Then I looked at the immense ocean. Instead of looking down I felt I didn't want to miss the beauty. I was present because of my focus on the sound of the ocean, then the ocean itself...Then it occurred to me, much like becoming the sound of the meditation bell before a sitting, I actually knew I was the ocean. I was the beach, the sand. I am in the Divine and the Divine is in me. If all living things are in the Divine and I am in the center of all that then all that is in the Divine is part of me...Get it? Pretty amazing. That allows me to see truthfully clear, sincerely. It makes it easier to follow a path of loving kindness because I must love all that is part of me and the Divine....YOU!
Try it, walk today, fold laundry...do something you would normally do but do it VERY slow. Be aware of everything you are doing. If it's laundry, feel the fabric, smell the freshness, even how the light feels on your face and neck...You will be clearer, more sincere in the moment and truthfully present with no preconceived notions of how that time and space "should" be.
Namaste.
I love being by water. I go down to the waterfront all the time. There are a couple of different rocks that always call to me. I go for long walks around there, as well. I especially love being by the water at night. If there is a full moon that is even better. I feel very creative while down by the water. I also go up to Niagara Falls at least twice a month. I sit and write short stories, poetry, meditate,sing and walk. Water has always been a source of healing for me. Like you, I am also a big fan of Thich Nhat Hanh. My favorite books by him are "The Zen of Terrorism", "Anger", and "Being Peace". I have recently started reading books written by Pema Chodron.
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteHow fortunate I am to have met a person like you here at my little site. Thich Nhat Hanh is one of my favorite people in the world. Google the 14 Precepts of Engaged Buddhism by TNH. You will really love it. Great precepts to go by althoughbi fall short all the time. I am in Wildwood, NJ right now and the ocean is almost haunting. I love what you said about rocks calling to you. Of course they do! :-) I find all aspects of the Universe, the Divine, if you will, call to me because it is all a part of me, of you, of us. Come back here often. You are a welcome soul!
In Gassho,
Bhodi