“Meditation is also an act of love for others because we obviously want to be the very best version of ourselves we can be. So much more is possible by spending time being with our experience in an open way.“
-Jennifer Prugh
Have you ever heard that a person should meditate for 20 minutes every day? If you don’t have time to meditate every day, should you meditate for an hour instead? Thankfully, this course is flexible and easy to incorporate into everyday life. It offers more than two dozen methods, various timeframes, and adaptable modifications to meet your needs and preferences.
I used to think I knew the different meditation options: empty your mind, listen to a guided visualization, chant or pray, and moving meditations like walking or yoga flows. Wow, did I underestimate the possibilities! I bet you have meditated without even realizing it. My biggest takeaways were the ability to accept and even incorporate external stimuli, the importance and simplicity of focusing on the breath, and reflecting on how much peace was added to my existence with a non-judgmental lens.
One effortless exercise is internally repeating the phrase ‘thank you’ while focusing on the breath and allowing any thoughts or sounds to arise and pass. When external sounds did catch my attention, I practiced non-judgmental awareness. Amidst my meditation, I could hear my children talking loudly; instead of reminding them to quiet down, I focused on the joy and time they were sharing. I was seated next to an open window, and the chirping birds reminded me of nature’s delicacy and beauty. By choice, I let go of the audible interruptions. I embraced them and felt a rush of deep gratitude and love within.
My family had an opportunity to float down a natural river during our most recent camping trip. It was our first visit to this campground, and I wasn’t sure where the river would take us, but I was excited for the new experience. The view was picturesque, and I wished I could capture it on my phone’s camera, although I didn’t have it on me. Then I remembered what I learned from this meditation course: be in the present moment. I relaxed my body, noticed my breath, and started to observe my surroundings. The green river was wide, with tall trees lining both banks. The late afternoon sun was filtering through the trees, casting a gentle and warm glow. The cottonwood trees’ fluffy seeds floated in the breeze, resting on top of the water’s surface. It was magical. My view was unobstructed for quite a distance.
Before this course, I probably would have been distracted by the large group behind us, wishing for their silence. Instead, non-judgmental awareness allowed me to let their voices and shouts pass through my thoughts, allowing space for an incredible time with my family.
My biggest epiphany came when I discovered exactly what made me feel great after yoga class. It’s not the type of class. It’s not the teacher. It’s not how I critiqued my performance. It’s not the workout summary on my fitness watch. It is being present with the breath, in the very moment. When I allow myself to forget my to-do list, recenter my wandering mind, I make room for a moving meditation. Focusing on inhaling and exhaling is why I feel so good after class.
As I go about my day, doing my best to insert non-judgmental awareness, I realize how much this perspective lightens my mood. By not carrying judgements, I have more space for compassion, love, and kindness. It is easier for me to let go, inviting more positive experiences and feelings.
Moving Into Meditation has ignited a craving within me, yearning for more knowledge and exploration. I continue studying these methods and eagerly wonder what revelations await me in the next course. Are you ready to make room for more non-judgmental awareness and inner peace?
