One of the definitions for the word “meditation” is derived from the Tibetan word “gom,” which means to become familiar with or to get used to something.
In the English language we have one word for meditation and as such we are always getting familiar with what’s on our mind. Brain scientists say over 95% of our thoughts are recycled. Same ole same ole.
The truth is we’re always meditating. We’re always getting used to something. The critical question is what is it that we’re getting used to? What is it that we’re getting even more familiar with? And whatever that is, is it helpful – is it useful -to us and those around us? I like being happy. And I like being around happy people. There’s something about that “happy” energy that nourishes my soul.
It’s February, and thank goodness Sharon has proclaimed this as our month to become familiar with happiness. What a relief that the assignment isn’t to become familiar with sadness. Don’t we all know that one well enough!
I live in Chicago and the winters here can be brutal. I wake up thanking the Universe that so far it seems as though we’ve gotten a pass on winter. Today, for instance, it was 50 degrees outside. Last year this time we were toughing it out through a blizzard with 50-70 mile an hour winds and tons of snow.
Just like the weather outside changes, the internal weather of our mind changes. And just as the outside weather always inclines toward the sun – no matter how intense the storm - our internal weather can incline toward happiness likewise – if only we would practice that. It’s a matter of staying awake to the fact that we have a choice, that life is precious, short, and certain to change. This propensity to choose, to lean into happiness, strengthens every time we practice.
So, on this first day of the 28 Day Challenge of 2012 I am happy to be happy!
May you be happy too!
Comments
Leaning into Happiness
What a great visual for what we are all learning to do this month. Great post.
Debra
Learning into Happiness
I know you said leaning and i liked that. but for me, today's meditation was more of the learning into happiness. I was as far from happy as i could be, physical emotional cognitive... but, i found when i left my bedroom after meditation at 7pm... i was distinctly "not unhappy". which for me was amazing. my sinus infection was no longer "off the charts painful and distracting" and on and on. then i decided to cook something healthy for tomorrow. (not like me when i am "like" this.
so guess the weather front passed and i am learning to lean into happiness.
thanks you for your blog.
Leaning into Happiness
Hi Debra,
Those visual examples help me a lot too. I try to learn all I can from The great Mother - Mother Nature. Another powerful truth is that of neuroplasticity - what the brain scientists call the ability of the brain to re-wire itself based on how we think and what we do. That's great news for us - because it means that through our practice of meditation we can help the brain re-wire itself in ways that support strong, positive and helpful mental states, including happiness and compassion. Yay brain!
Even the simple act of smiling helps us stay relaxed. Sending a big one your way!
Elesa
Wow - 95% of our thoughts are
Wow - 95% of our thoughts are recycled. I'm going to think about that. That strikes me as so true.
Thank you!
Katie
Recycled Thoughts
Hi Katie,
Yes, this is one of the reasons a meditation practice is beneficial - it can help create spaciousness and clarity in the mind. It can be informative just to objectively notice these recycled thoughts. Over time, thought patterns tend to emerge. They can be so interesting. I like to think of these patterns the same way I do my household recycling - paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, cans, landfill, etc. Our practice helps us sort our thoughts into the proper "recycling" containers so they can be put to their highest use. When we look deeply into something with this kind of clarity and perspective, we have a better chance of seeing whatever it is for what it actually is. This can be very liberating - to realize that a thought is just a thought - nothing more. Oh, here it comes again. Oh, there it goes - again. Like Sharon says, "Breath." "Not breath."
One of my old and wise teachers, Goswami Kriyananda of the Temple of Kriya Yoga here in Chicago says, "We must be able to think the thought we haven't been able to think yet." Often times if and when we are able to do this we can experience a real breakthrough - that savory "aha moment" or "light bulb moment." I think Albert Einstein meant the same thing when he said, "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." I find that when I sit with bravery and courage, intent on maintaining my seat come what may, the insights that arise can be profound.
One more reason to be happy - that we have this incredible mind - infinite in its capacity to foster miracles!
Elesa
Facts about thoughts
Personally I find these couple of 'facts' interesting, that is to get a grip on some basic human functioning in making sense of us humans.
We have about 60,000 thoughts per day. About 56,000 are connected to our own personal needs and wants.
Yes, I can imagine that a lot of these are recycled.
And, on the other hand, how hard is it to have a completely original thought?
The mind stretches to perceive such a concept. Almost like a Zen Koan to solve.
Also, another 'fact' is that it is impossible for the mind to hold two thoughts simultaneously. Or to think of two things at the same time.
So, breathe in, breathe out. Be Mindful, focus on the here and now. The external sounds, let them pass, as they will. Let thoughts come and go. Go deeper, relax into the present. Breathe in and out, let go, let go, let go.
Oh, and and another fact.... It is also impossible to think of nothing, as we have a lot of subconscious and unconscious stuff happening all of the time. I 'think' that when we are really thinking of nothing....we would be dead! Well, we will all die eventually.
Love to all, and thanks for reading my 'thoughts' of the day.