Library- Meditation Principles
The Principles Links> <Expressions> <Introduction> <Stress Loops> <Remembering> <Grounding> <Opening> <Knowing> <Understanding>
1st PRINCIPAL- REMEMBERING
"this is the path of remembering and forgetting" unknown
Introduction, the title might suggest 'Always Remembering' which is actually impossible to do. But the more often that we remember the basics of the practice, the more often they will be included in our meditations and in our daily life. The more we practice remembering, the more often we will experience our true nature. Which the Sages tell us are, the natures of AWARENESS and CARING.
REMEMBERING INTEREST
"Interest is the zest of LIFE"
INTEREST, is also the bases of learning. When we are interest in learning new things about our self and LIFE, there is a natural energy that arises within us.
INTEREST, contains the 2 qualities of ATTENTION & INTENTION. These 2 qualities support all meditation practices.
ATTTENTION (awareness)
Before we can change our inner experience of stress, it first has to enter into our conscious attention.
INTENTION (caring)
Once we are aware of the object of experience, we bring to it a compassionate intention.
MEDITATION GUIDELINES
Rembering The Attention
Why remember be attentive?
This is always the 1st step before conscious change can occur.
When we are attentive, we are informed of our inner experiences of the body, heart and mind. When the object of experience is known it then can be wisely responded to.
Remembering The Intention
Why remember to intend the mind?
Many of our thoughts, words and actions first began with an intention. The intention to not force the mind, could be considered the 'Golden Rule of Meditation'. But rather gently guide the mind, using CARING phrases of intention. i.e. "may the ... be well"
How to remember to intend the mind.
* Repeat any phrase of intention that feels right at the time and let them change on their own.
* The words used in the phrase, are not as import as the intention under the words.
* Repeat the intention 3 or more times with the sensations of the in/out breath.
Remembering The Body
Why remember the body?
Bare AWARENESS of the body is only possible when we are completely present to it's sensations.
And being completely present the negative thought/emotional loops are broken and our energy is restored. This 'being present' can momentarily allows us to see what is needing to be CARED for in our body, heart or mind.
How to remember the body.
1st-
Bring AWARENESS to the posture of the spine and it's sensations of hardness and support.
2nd-
Set a CARING intention of "may the spine be strong", without expecting any changes.
3rd- Trusting the spine to support the body, offer the intention of "may all the muscles be soft".
4th- The we gently rest with in this strong and attentive posture.
Remembering The Breath
Why remember the breath?
AWARENESS of the qualities of the breath indicates the conditions of the heart and mind. When there is over-anger/thinking the breath is shallow. When there is love/contentment the breath is deep. The breath also works in reverse. Deep belly breathing calms the body, heart and mind.
How to remember the breath.
1st-
We bring the interest to the qualities of the breath. Is it tight & shallow or open & deep?
2nd- We can then set a CARING gentle intention for the breath "may the breath be deep".
3rd- We invite the lower ribs to expand in/out, slowly calming the body, heart and mind.
4th- Throughout meditation we maintain some of the interest on the qualities of the breath.
How does Remembering help in daily life?
The more often that we remember to be interested in the intentions of the mind, the activities of the body and the qualities of the breath. The sooner we will recognize and release stress before it builds up to a harmful level.