Yesterday I sat three different times. The 1st was after I taught a yoga class and I had serious monkey mind. I contribute this partly to not giving myself a restorative pose after I moved my body so feverishly. The 2nd sitting was during Sharon's workshop on the Brahma Viharas and I was more able to quiet and be...I think the energy of so many people sitting together contributes greatly to my practice and finding stillness. The 3rd sitting was at the end of Sharon's workshop and I went deep. We practiced Metta meditation and I have found that when I utilize Qi Gong the practice is extraordinarily powerful. In Qi Gong, the middle Dantian is the heart center. By focusing on this and spinning the energy out towards a close friend, then a neutral person, followed by someone with whom I am having difficulty and then finally to all beings I am deeply aware of the intricacy of our interconnectedness. I can literally feel the beautiful vastness of Indra's net and I come to see that I am not just part of the net. I am the net. We all are.
And so, today, while riding the subway I said to myself as I gazed upon the strangers around me, "May You be Happy". Of course, my mind would wander to something else and I would begin again. As I emerged from the subway I realized that this could be expanded using Qi Gong again as I imagined waves of Metta spreading out from me towards those around me - expanding beyond NYC and outwards into the world. It was an extraordinary feeling and one that brought me much joy. I laughed aloud as I crossed Broadway. And someone smiled at me.
Comments
Riding the MTA
I often think about the lost opportunity of driving to work every day especially when I read posts from folks that can do a little meditation practice on the train or other public transit. I do listen to podcasts of Buddhist teachings so it's not a complete loss.
Thanks for the post.
Debra
Never a loss
Hi, Debra. Thanks for your post. Yes, while some may see the subway as a hassle I take it as a chance to check in and do my subway meditation or like you listen to Dharma talks and instruction. I have found too that driving can elicit the same kind of mindfulness as I become aware of "checking out" when I am on auto pilot or when I do check back in...I am aware of the stream of people all moving and flowing, just as our blood does within us, and just as the rivers and streams do around us. Seeing the inner and the outer simultaneously helps posit me a bit more in the "now".
Best to you!
Gina
Metta Commuting
Hi Gina,
Thanks for your post. 3 sittings in one day?! Wow, very impressive. I need to kick it up a notch if I'm gonna get "real happiness" in 28 days.
I liked your practice of metta in the subway. I find that it can be easier practicing metta while sitting on a pillow than in our relationships in real time. The subway provides a great opportunity to extend blessings of happiness and well-being to those around us. Emotionally, it feels much nicer than distraction (or silently cursing the MTA). And, I've found that it allows others to brighten and shine when they see us smiling.
Thanks again for your post,
Jonathan
What goes around especially on the "F"
Hey, Jonathan. Thanks for your post! Being a yoga teacher and frequent subwayer gives me the opportunity to sit more than someone stuck in an office all day. That's for sure and I am thankful for it. I do try to bring this awareness wherever I am...it's especially interesting to notice when I am irritated with someone and quickly "check" myself and then try to realize what my "true" intent is.
It's a never-ending practice, isn't it? And yes, people are so much nicer when we are as well. I have found that as we Sit and peel off layers we are more able to do this, because as our fear, disconnectedness, anger and sometimes pain are shed - no longer do they muffle our genuine ability to open to others. And ourselves.
What comes around goes around.
Best to you!
Gina