Book Musings: How to Meditate

January 13 2019:

How to Meditate – A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind

I’ve had a regular meditation practice since about 2011 and every once in a while I like to read something different about it to give my own practice a little jolt!

That happened back in 2014 when I read, “For the Love of It”; which created a huge positive shift. And, Pema Chodron did not disappoint. I enjoy and get something out of all of her books I’ve read to date.

This one teaches how to meditate with eyes open; rather than closed. I have always meditated with eyes closed and been on some fantastical journeys. I have spent about 8 years exploring, adventuring, and healing within.

Now, it’s time to explore and adventure without. Learning to be at peace and still no matter what’s happening without. That’s how I see this and I’ve been at it for 2 weeks now. It’s extremely uncomfortable. Yet, I’m ready to meet my edge with discomfort and know that there is wisdom and all kinds of good stuff when embracing the discomfort. I’ll stay with it for a full month and then perhaps alternate practice styles.

My favorite quote from the book … “The experience of a sad and tender heart is what gives birth to fearlessness. Conventionally, being fearless means that you are not afraid or that, if someone hits you, you will hit him back. But we aren’t talking about that street-fighter level of fearlessness. Real fearlessness is the product of tenderness. It comes from letting the world tickle your heart, your raw heart. You are willing to open up, without resistance or shyness, and face the world.” -Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche