On this journey of learning to meditate, I'm re-learning many gems that apply to my non-meditating hours as well. It never hurts to be re-reminded of these things...
#1. Meditation isn't all "lofty, top of the mountain, pink lollipop, life is bliss".
But then again, neither is life. Some days, life feels like you're flying higher than a kite. And some days, life feels like you're an old banana peel rotting at the bottom of a trash can. But as long as we expect the events of our day to fulfill us, we will be sadly disappointed. Each day is worth celebrating. Each day brings a new lesson. Each day is exactly as it should be, so be grateful (and maybe even be HAPPY)!
#2. Resisting my inner critic only makes him stronger when I meditate. As I learn to be indifferent to him, he will lose his power over me.
This is a hard one. Because of some circumstances in my life, I've come to let my inner critic rule me. And over the last year, I've worked to slowly release the hold he has on me. I'm working to establish a new way of viewing myself and the world. This transition isn't easy, but the results are SO worth it. There are some times when that inner critic is needed - like red flags warning me that danger is ahead. I am very grateful for him at those times. But, there are many times that his incessant talking keeps me from hearing that quiet, inner voice that speaks the truth. And yelling at him to tell him to SHUT UP just aggravates the issue. The key is indifference - which can act as a magic dimmer switch to slowly turn his volume down.
#3. The critical, anxious, fearful voice that prowls through my meditation is not my true nature. It's just garbage that is being cleared out. And what is just beneath is the real me - perfect, whole and complete.
Once those critical thoughts are gone, my true nature begins to shine through. This resonates deeply in my soul. It's like my insides are saying, "yeah, that's right". They are so excited that the gunk is being cleared - because they know the greatness that is to come. This is the feeling that I want to take with me through the day. Not the one that doubts, criticizes, and fears. The one that has confidence, hope, and joy! :-)
A very sincere thank you to my meditation teacher for reminding me of these truths.
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