Pascal said that all of man's troubles come from an inability to sit alone in a room. In today's world, we have an extra large assortment of activities to divert us while sitting in a room, whether or not we are alone. All sorts of fun and kidding are directed at the one simple very inexpensive exercise discovered by the unschooled ancients that enriches us, while indeed sitting alone in a room. It doesn't have to be while we are alone. We read of a meditation class that had a final exam during which a car alarm went off, just outside. Some of the students were convinced the teacher had arranged the distraction but it had just happened by chance.
Meditation is so simple, so uncomplicated and has been shown so valuable in medicine, healing arts and sciences, mental health and therapy, the military, business and personal development that you would think it would be impossible to find people who don't do it. Yet, that is not the case. Most people I know are still thinking about trying it. They think they smell a rat but there is no rat. The actual practice is so simple that people don't believe it can be valuable. So, there are dozens of ways the simple is made complex. Since value is well-established, why not sell books, movies, club memberships, lessons, special clothing, pillows, etc., etc, etc?
The value will be clear and some money will be made at the same time.
Here is Dr. Germer's description of what to do and how to do it:
Let's try that now. This exercise takes only 5 minutes. You can't do it wrong. Choose a quiet place, sit comfortably, close your eyes, and notice what it feels like to be in your body. Just be with the physical sensations in your body as they come and go, without choosing to pay attention to any particular one. If it's a pleasant one, feel it and let it go. If it's an unpleasant one, also feel it and let it go. Perhaps you feel warmth in your hands, pressure on the seat, tingling in the forehead? Notice those sensations as a mother would gaze at a newborn baby, wondering what it's feeling. Just notice whatever arises, one sensation after another. Take your time.
Christopher K. Germer PhD. The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions (Kindle Locations 445-449). Kindle Edition.
Bill
Main blog: Fear, Fun and Filoz
Main web site: Kirbyvariety
