Meditation Medication
If there were a drug out there to take away worry, anxiety, and overthinking, I would have taken it. And I don’t like taking medication! I found a solution, better than any drug, in the ancient practice of meditation. It has saved my life. I would imagine those who are in the flow of a regular practice share the sentiment.
Even though I have been doing it for years, I found myself the last week indulging in a Netflix series, Guide to Meditation, produced by the company that is revolutionizing the world with its mindfulness app, Headspace. Headspace cofounder, Buddhist monk and bestselling author Andy Puddicombe guides us through not only the benefits of meditation, but the science behind it. Best part is, you get to put what you learn to the test throughout, as he walks us through mini meditations, so you can get a feel for what he’s just taught. I found it to be brilliant, and a great refresher course!
One of the benefits of an enduring practice is that you begin to experience mindfulness in every minute of the day, not just those times that you are sitting in your practice. As I watched this series, I was struck by the fact that these are things that I no longer need meditation for. I realized I do them as easily as I breathe now. You can get there too. It requires devotion to your practice. Let me say that one more time so it sinks in. ;) It. Requires. Devotion.
I hear from a lot of friends that they have a hard time staying present, which is, of course, much of the purpose of meditation. As this series points out, it is natural for your mind and thoughts to drift. I do it too. Still. To this day. But I do believe there are those who might benefit (as I do) from another form of meditation…walking meditation.
I first discovered walking meditation through the teachings and practices of one of the world’s most important Zen masters, Thich Nhat Hanh. Back in the early 80s, he cofounded Plum Village, a Buddhist monastery in southern France. Even today, walking meditation is part of the monks’ sacred and regular ritual. If you are the restless type, you might consider trying walking meditation. In the link below, you can find a Plum Village tutorial which explains the practice.
I’m not one for medication, but I wish someone could bottle meditation, mass produce it, and have it available to all. It is, without question, one of the greatest healing methods available to us.
Blessings,
xo
Introduction to walking meditation