Exploring Wellness for Body, Mind and Self: Staying in the Moment
From Anne Meneghetti, MD, 4/28/2009 10:30:13 AM
How can we stay in the present moment, when the mind wants to fling our attention forward or backward in time? Meditation is a state of pure awareness of moment. From this state of clarity, we are poised to act wisely and effectively.
We have all experienced being in the moment. Perhaps you have suddenly caught a glimpse of a gorgeous sunset or mountain peak. Even if for a split second, all your attention was focused on that beautiful landscape. No thoughts. Being in love, feeling physical pain, hearing surprising news can also bring us to the moment. However, once the mind resumes thinking, we lapse out of pure experience and return to the ordinary.
If thinking gets in the way of pure awareness, how can it be stopped? Thoughts cannot be stopped by force. The monkey-like nature of the mind is to think; that is its job. However, there are ways to witness the mind in action without getting caught up in it. In a sense, those thoughts become part of the landscape of the moment, things we notice without reacting to them.
Consider this form of meditation: passively watch your thoughts. Rather than judge them, fuel them, chase them away, or suppress them - just watch. Like clouds floating in the sky, or leaves in a river, thoughts will float away on their own; that is their nature. Let thoughts come and go. Moment to moment awareness of your thoughts is meditation.
If you are new to meditation, begin with sessions shorter than 15 minutes. A daily practice of awareness can leave you refreshed, restored, and ready to face whatever the day may bring. In future blogs, we will explore ways to make friends with the mind through meditation.
Peace,
Dr. Anne
This information is purely educational and does not replace a physician's advice that may be unique to each individual. For all medical concerns, please see a physician to establish a diagnosis and explore proven treatments.
