I spent a lot of time meditating this weekend, a lot more than I have in recent weeks. It was really great to get back into it. I had forgotten how inexplicably wonderful it is.
I was riding back from work today and noticed how quiet and clean my mind felt. (It's so hard to describe the feeling, but so wonderful in every way). I felt more energized than I've felt in months. I thought to myself "how wonderful it would be if I could always spend this much time meditating"
But what I noticed was that I was still wishing for something that "wasn't". I wanted to be meditating, but wasn't currently. When I reflected further, I realized that I had gotten to this wonderful place for the exact opposite reason -- by sitting and seeking nothing. By simply observing. Through direct mindfulness of body and mind for the larger part of 2 days.
And that's when one of those "duh" moments struck me (where the words of all the wise people come back all at once) -- it is indeed very much about the present, and not about any other time. You can be mindful and meditative no matter what the situation. It just requires a very small amount of effort and awareness applied in the right way.
So little to get so much.
So I applied it on the bike ride. And was no longer missing anything. Just riding my bike, pushing hard, and all the while aware of everything as it came up.
(Also, I'm just very happy that I seem to be letting go of gains in the world of meditation. I just don't care if I "get somewhere" anymore. And it just feels so much more natural when I'm ok with simply sitting there and being mindful, and just observing whatever comes up. It's good enough!)
One last thing -- I'm so grateful that there are people out there who've been there and want to help us get there. What kindness!
