On our best days we get another chance at proceeding with clarity in our purpose. Often we are brought into confusion by allowing our pride, fears and doubts to overreact and pull us a multitude of directions. Convincing us to take action in the wrong direction for years (yes that long). One way we are able to neutralizes these effects is to take a step back into neutral territory, this is achieved through meditation. I found it beneficial to do it daily and not just when we need it because I easily forget or slide back into confusion and allow more damage has been done than necessary. With clarity it is possible to achieve more though slow and meaningful progress in the right direction.
My favourite meditation is the IChing lake meditation because it relies of mental visualization, which give me an image to focus on. As a visual person I find this easier than other meditations that require counting, repetition or sensing. I also find sound and chanting effective, note that you might be different.
The point of this and most meditations is to detach and disrupt the automatic and constant flow of thoughts until we reach a quiet space. This to me is just the starting point of returning ourselves to neutrality , regain control and to restart with clarity.
The Lake mediation:
- Find a sitting position that is relaxing or natural with you spine straight as possible.
- Focus on breathing full breaths using your abdomen until you feel relaxed.
- Imagine your mind as a lake and imaging your thoughts and emotions as ripples.
- Observe your thoughts and feeling and imagine them as ripples disappearing.
- Try maintain a still lake and relax in the quiet and stillness…..
When we find a natural time to come out of meditation, I like to journal. It is an open excercise but it is a way of slowly putting down your thoughts that have restarted in an organized and intentional manner. Often this leads to insight and clarity about our situation. As we practice daily, we gain a tool to regulate our confusion and create stronger clarity. I hope this helps you.
My drawing represents a confused and cluttered mind that is wild, looping and obstructed. Interesting as it is to look at I strive daily to create a still lake.
