“Inner peace is the key: if you have inner peace, the external problems do not affect your deep sense of peace and tranquility…without this inner peace, no matter how comfortable your life is materially, you may still be worried, disturbed, or unhappy because of circumstances.” -His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Achieving inner peace is made possible through the practice of meditation. There are many types of meditation, and most have the same purpose: clear away the multitude of thoughts we have using breathing techniques and focused intent to produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind.
A basic meditation requires nothing more than a quiet space where you can practice undisturbed. If you have 5 minutes that is enough to get a taste of what is possible. Sit comfortably, in a chair or on the floor in a crossed legged position. Hands resting in lap or on your knees as in this picture. Begin by breathing deeply through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Imagine letting go of your stress through your exhale. See it leave your body as wisps of black or grey smoke. With each inhale take in fresh clean air and Qi and exhale the turbid. Thoughts will come…Don’t attach anything to the thoughts…see a cloud in front of you and deposit the thoughts there to move away. The grey smoke leaving your body on the exhale will eventually be clear. When it is shift your exhale to the nose. Keep focused on your breath. To do lists, worries, concerns can all wait. When thoughts come, focus on your breathing. Now as you inhale expand your belly, exhale through your nose and contract your belly. Think of the word CALM. See it in front of you. Breath in, breathe out.