“I don’t know whether I’m coming or going!”
Mom repeated this statement of confusion often, when I was growing up.
I mean really, who wouldn’t be confused with 7 kids, ranging from 10 years, to newborn, twins!?
Do you ever find yourself in a state of stuck? Not sure which direction, or best course of action to take? Not sure whether you’re coming, or going?
You’re not alone!
One of the many reasons that the ancient (over 2,500 years old) practice of mindfulness has resurfaced and blossomed, is that in our current culture, more of us are finding ourselves emotionally paralyzed by life’s flailings and fluctuations.
In between bouts of turbulence and disruption, we tend to naively long for a permanent settling, balancing, or stopping of the stream.
But, that’s not what a stream does, is it? And, that’s not what life does either.
Ebbing and flowing. Rising and dissolving. Coming and going. That’s life.
In a formal practice known as “Sitting Meditation”, we invite participants to sit in the midst of all that is coming and going, in each present moment; breath, sound, sensations and thought.
The idea is to silently observe (with eyes closed, or lowered) these anchors, and thereby, over time, normalize change.
Change is normal. And it’s inevitable. You see evidence of that every day.
Look in the mirror. Look outside. Look at your kids or pets, and notice that everything is in a state of flow.
With practice, which I’m inviting you to do now, by listening to the brief audio meditation below, you can experience the stillpoint (where the observer sits), and allow yourself to witness the coming and going, and the flowing!
Find a comfortable position for yourself and press the pink play arrow below.
Thank you, Cassie! I find paying attention in this fashion is really helpful. The idea of a river with it’s sight, sounds (heavy water in the mountains), and even a gentle wind was easy to access and comforting.
Cassie,
Thank you 🙏
It is SUCH a comfort to hear you voice and to follow your prompts . I needed this so much today. LOVE StacyO