Читать книгу May I Sit with You? - Tom Catton - Страница 12
ОглавлениеThe setting for your practice is important. When talking about my own Eleventh Step practice, I usually refer to myself as a bit “airy-fairy,” by which I mean that my wife and I have a meditation room that is just for that purpose, a shrine-like environment decorated with artifacts we deem holy. You may find your favorite ambience in nature: sitting on the shore by the ocean or strolling through the woods and settling down by a stream to embrace your quiet surroundings.
Practiced meditators suggest that we create a spot to return to daily. I encourage you to explore this idea, whether the space is on your deck outside overlooking an expansive view, in a particular room in your house, or in a certain corner of a room. We can create a holy and inviting setting as long as we return daily. The continuous practice in the same space will effectuate the vibration of peace. You will find yourself wanting to continue with your practice as you approach your sitting area.
I find the early morning to be the best time to meditate. It is said that when the world around you starts waking up, its mental vibrations can be picked up. This is why 4:00 a.m. is a nice time to begin sitting, as most people in your neighborhood won’t be awake yet. Sitting with one’s own busy mind is enough to attend to, and when you bring in the sounds of the whole waking community, observing not only your thoughts but everyone else’s will become an exhausting practice. I realize 4:00 a.m. may not be practical for everyone, so any time after you wake up but before starting your busy day would be desirable. The fact that you sit any time, rather than just thinking about it, will be of great benefit.
The ambiance my wife and I have created in our meditation room makes the early-morning call to practice one of ongoing enjoyment. I awaken between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. almost every day. The ritual of practice begins as I walk downstairs and into the meditation room, which is already aglow with the inviting warmth of indirect lighting. My meditation cushion is in place before an altar; holy images of spiritual figures seem to gaze back at me. I sit between two large Tibetan singing bowls, and as I strike the bowls, their vibrations engulf the room; various crystals seem to catch the glow of candlelight. The fragrance of sandalwood incense in the huge brass holder fills my surroundings, and I find myself being transported to a singular place in my consciousness—my meditation has begun. This doesn’t happen automatically. It was established by a daily practice that has existed for decades. In my experience, the excitement to sit each day in a space that was created for Eleventh Step practice is enticing and effective.
