Library- Meditation Principles
The Principles Links> <Expressions> <Introduction> <Stress Loops> <Remembering> <Grounding> <Opening> <Knowing> <Understanding>
2nd PRINCIPAL- BEING GROUNDED
“Groundness, allows us to accept all of life” ross
Introduction, when we meet someone who is grounded in the present moment, someone who is not caught up in their own moods and options. They stand out for us. We have a sense of respect and trust towards them. We may even remark fondly about their ability to be present "she/he is really down to earth".
Why ground back into the body?
* Grounding provides trust and self confidence
*
Grounding reduces anxious thoughts of the future
* Grounding weakens the harmful emotions from the past
How to practice Grounding, “Stopping & Dropping”
REMEMBERING THE:| Intention | Body | Breath |
|---|---|---|
| To be interested | 1. Knees lower then the hips |
1. In- gently to the soft belly |
| To not force the mind | 2. Hips rolled slightly forward |
2. In- gradually longer an deeper |
| To be accepting | 3. Spine strong |
3. In- spreading the lower ribs |
| To be safe & quiet | 4. Chest open | 4. Out- resting and waiting |
“Stopping & Dropping”
1st- Feel the sensations of weight in the hips as the body sits on the cushion.
2nd- When distracted, gently keep bringing the AWARENESS back to the weight of the hips.
3rd- Feel the sensations of strength and hardness of the spine. trusting its support of the body.
4th- When distracted, gently keep bringing the AWARENESS back to the strength of the spine.
5th- Stop without thinking and Drop into the grounding sensations of the body.
6th- Just be AWARE and CARE. Nothing more needs to be done! :-)
The Sage & The Scientist The Sagas tell us that we need to train in the bare awareness of the present moment in order not to suffer from self produced stress. The Scientist tell us that the 1st brain (reptilian) performs the basic functions for our survival, the 2nd brain (mammal) produces emotions, the 3rd brain (human) produces thoughts. If we become over used any 1 of these 3 parts of the brain.The brain then becomes un-balanced producing un-healthy stress.
How does Stopping & Dropping help in daily life?
Because of the simplicity and ease of Stopping & Dropping at any time. We can Stop and Drop when we are in conversation, driving the car or working on the computer ('aah, i just did it':). The remembering practice helps us to remember to Stop more often. And gradually it will develop into a skillful habit.