In our meditation practice today, we find another technique for assisting us with concentration. Here, we come to view our thoughts as clouds in the sky. Just like clouds in the real sky, our thoughts can be light and fluffy, or storm clouds approaching.
We work with our thoughts, just like we work with the breath. Without fighting the thoughts that arise, we can allow them to come and go. There is no need to push them away. A great way to think of this is just as Sharon teaches, as well as in my own teachings, that is to see the thoughts as clouds in the sky, just floating on through.
Our awareness becomes the blue sky and the thoughts move on through. Not only thoughts, but our emotions and feelings too can float on by. If you get lost, no need to judge yourself as it is either breath or not breath. You then return to the breath. Thoughts are only temporary. With mindfulness, we invite ourselves back to the present moment. The thoughts are what seems to be now, but soon they too pass on by.
Let me know how this week goes for you and with each practice that I post. You can join me in my mindfulness classes or if you would you like personal meditation instruction, I am happy to assist you through these practices. Contact me.
Recommended reading for Week One of the Challenge is pages 37 – 47 and pages 64 – 74 in the second edition of the book, “Real Happiness”.
Supportive guided meditations by Sharon Salzberg are located here.
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