The mind has long been regarded as slippery beast, being compared in some yogic texts to a monkey that leaps from tree to tree, impossible to catch. Too often do we move through our days thinking about the next thing we need to accomplish, or criticizing ourselves about some perceived imperfection in the past. Far too rarely do we allow ourselves to focus on the present, on where we are in the moment, to simply be. For ages, mindfulness has been known to be a precursor to enlightenment. We learn from the yogi sages and masters of Buddhist meditation the benefits of a controlled and focused mind. Of course, the best part about this ancient technique is that it can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Sit back, and realize where you are and what you're doing. Take a deep breath and clear your mind. Release the events of the past. Put the worries of the future out of your mind. Concentrate on your breath, inhaling for the count of four, holding for two, and exhaling for four again. Look around you, and again focus on where you are and what you are doing. Be in that place, without judging it. Concern yourself not with why you are there, only the fact that you are there, in this moment. Breathe and be ok with that. Be present in this moment and every moment of your day. Realize that you are free. Sunday 12 April 2009
Liberation In A Moment
Where is your mind right now? Is it here in the present, reading these words? Is it in the future, with bills needing to be paid? Or in the past, thinking about tasks that are long finished? 
The mind has long been regarded as slippery beast, being compared in some yogic texts to a monkey that leaps from tree to tree, impossible to catch. Too often do we move through our days thinking about the next thing we need to accomplish, or criticizing ourselves about some perceived imperfection in the past. Far too rarely do we allow ourselves to focus on the present, on where we are in the moment, to simply be. For ages, mindfulness has been known to be a precursor to enlightenment. We learn from the yogi sages and masters of Buddhist meditation the benefits of a controlled and focused mind. Of course, the best part about this ancient technique is that it can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Sit back, and realize where you are and what you're doing. Take a deep breath and clear your mind. Release the events of the past. Put the worries of the future out of your mind. Concentrate on your breath, inhaling for the count of four, holding for two, and exhaling for four again. Look around you, and again focus on where you are and what you are doing. Be in that place, without judging it. Concern yourself not with why you are there, only the fact that you are there, in this moment. Breathe and be ok with that. Be present in this moment and every moment of your day. Realize that you are free.
The mind has long been regarded as slippery beast, being compared in some yogic texts to a monkey that leaps from tree to tree, impossible to catch. Too often do we move through our days thinking about the next thing we need to accomplish, or criticizing ourselves about some perceived imperfection in the past. Far too rarely do we allow ourselves to focus on the present, on where we are in the moment, to simply be. For ages, mindfulness has been known to be a precursor to enlightenment. We learn from the yogi sages and masters of Buddhist meditation the benefits of a controlled and focused mind. Of course, the best part about this ancient technique is that it can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Sit back, and realize where you are and what you're doing. Take a deep breath and clear your mind. Release the events of the past. Put the worries of the future out of your mind. Concentrate on your breath, inhaling for the count of four, holding for two, and exhaling for four again. Look around you, and again focus on where you are and what you are doing. Be in that place, without judging it. Concern yourself not with why you are there, only the fact that you are there, in this moment. Breathe and be ok with that. Be present in this moment and every moment of your day. Realize that you are free. 