The problem with meditation is attachment. We get in
the habit of needing our altar, favorite cushion,
incense, CD, certain time of day, necessary length of
time, or particular style of sitting. If we can’t do
it the “right” way, we tend to skip it altogether. We
get so attached to the trappings that we get a little
testy if we don’t have everything just so.
This is funny when you think about it. In Buddhism,
the core belief is that life is full of suffering, and
this suffering is due to attachment. Isn’t it ironic
that we become so attached to the idea of meditation?
Isn’t it a bit absurd to think of followers of
particular styles of meditation as obsessive about
their own approach?
I find it hilarious.
I also find it destructive.
I’m all for whatever works. If committing to a ritual
is right for you, by all means, light that candle. If
you must do some yoga exercises prior to sitting, go
for it. If you need to go for a run before chanting,
be my guest.
However, if you find that your concept of what you need
in order to meditate is hindering instead of liberating
you, it’s time to take a look at what I refer to as
“wireless” meditation.
The beautiful thing about going wireless—-whether it’s
with phones, computers, or your own quest for
mindfulness—-is that you suddenly become unencumbered
by extraneous connections. You can continue with your
day. You can go anywhere. You are free.
Just as a wireless phone allows you to think of your
workplace in a whole new way, mindfulness practice
gives you the opportunity to bring attention to
whatever you’re doing. Your connection to your mind
and your heart is hooked up while you’re taking a
shower, washing the dishes, walking the dog, or tending
your garden. You no longer see mindfulness as
something you can do only if you’re sitting in your
family room before the kids get up.
For those who’ve given up on meditation, consider the
freedom of mindfulness practice. Here are five
questions to ask yourself in order to stay connected
anywhere, anytime:
* “What can I notice this minute?” Look around. What
do you see? What colors pop? What kind of light fills
your space? What do you smell? What do you hear? How
does your body feel right now?
* “Where can I focus my attention this minute?”
Choose something within you—-a physical sensation, a
thought, an emotion. Or, go outside your skin and
shine all of your attention upon something around you.
Spend one minute in full discovery mode.
* “What can I do to connect with this person?” If
you’re a parent and you’re feeling a little burned out
by your child’s demands, stop thinking about how to
fulfill a request and focus on how to fulfill a need.
Can you give loving attention without giving a thing?
Can you focus your full attention on your partner in
the way most likely to make them feel cherished?
* “How can I bring more mindfulness to this task?”
Whether you’re filing, copying documents, folding
laundry, or scrubbing the bathtub, you can focus
intently and intensely upon your particular task. Take
note of the textures. Pay attention to edges, creases,
folds, warmth, texture, and color. Focus on the
muscles you’re using in each step of the process. Feel
the bending, flexing, and stretching your body must do
to perform each movement.
* “How can I find more meaning in this moment?” In
every moment, we have the opportunity to connect to
what matters most. We can choose to find a reason to
feel grateful, content, secure, uplifted, and cared
for. By paying attention
, we can find value in the
simplest tasks and the greatest challenges.
Going wireless means you can choose to connect whenever
you like. Find ways to tap into mindfulness without
becoming attached to meditation.
Use your wherever-whenever minutes—-and get more.