“If you think you’re free, there’s no escape possible.” ~ Ram Dass

When we think of “meditation,” we often visualize a person sitting in lotus position with their fingers perched on their knees in a certain mudra. This is one of thousands of ways we can meditate. Mindfulness meditation can be practiced in any moment, during any and every activity (or non-activity, such as sitting, lying down or standing still).

Formal practice blends into informal practice over time with intention and effort.

We become more present and feel more alive in this moment, right here, right now.

The simplest way to meditate is by finding an anchor to keep us in the present moment. Here are some suggestions:

Mantra

Repetition of a syllable, word, short phrase or poem keeps the mind occupied and helps develop concentration.

Candle flame/fire

Gazing at a bonfire or candle flame (or any image) is another way of developing single-pointed focus and preparing the mind for other forms of meditation.

Mandala

Designing and coloring mandalas is a fun and creative, meditative way of getting in touch with our inner child and practicing mindfulness.

Bell

Whenever you hear the ring of a bell, take a pause. Take the opportunity to take several deep, conscious breaths. As Thich Nhat Hanh teaches, the sound of the bell is the voice of the Buddha.

Music

Listen to a song, whether classical or lyrical, rock ‘n’ roll or any genre, and pay full attention to the sound of the music.

Sounds in the environment

Notice the sounds around you, both close by and farther away. Sounds can only occur in the present, which makes them a great anchor. Even “unpleasant” sounds can help keep us mindful and grateful.

Breath

Feel the sensation of the breath entering and exiting the lungs. Connect with your breath and feel grateful to be alive right now.

Sensations

Notice the physical sensations in the body. If you feel pain, go into the pain. Notice its specific location and sensation. Notice how it changes from moment to moment, however subtly.

Emotions

Turn your awareness to your feelings. Ask yourself, “How do I feel right now?” Lately I’ve been practicing this with a technique taught by Thich Nhat Hanh. “Breathing in, I am __________. Breathing out, it’s okay to feel ___________.”

Metaphor

Picture your pure awareness as the empty blue sky. The mind’s activities are the passing clouds.

Imagine you are walking along a trail with a puppy. The puppy’s wanderings are the mind. When the puppy mind veers off the path, gently pick it up and bring it back.

Visualize sitting at a train station watching people and trains come and go. Becoming distracted by a train of thought means we have inadvertently gotten on a train. Realizing we are onboard, we immediately transport ourselves back to the bench at the station.

Writing

Last but not least, one of my favorite anchors to the present is the act of writing, especially stream of consciousness writing done by hand in a journal. This type of writing is a fantastic mindfulness practice.

The possibilities are endless! What other ways can we keep anchored to ever-changing present?

~

Author: Michelle Margaret Fajkus

Editor: Evan Yerburgh

Image: Pixoto/ Robert Mills