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A Different Kind Of Daily Meditation

Keeping a daily meditation routine may be useful, but do you have the inclination or time to do that? Some people find it easier than others. On the other hand, I have a back problem which often makes sitting too uncomfortable (and laying down while meditating puts me to sleep), and for some people even thirty minutes of practice can be difficult to fit into their everyday schedule.

But there are many forms of meditation, and not all require sitting still for long stretches of time. In fact, some of the most fruitful meditative practices may be those that take place during your normal daily activities. Lets look at an example of one.

Daily "Observer" Meditation

You may have practiced becoming aware of your thoughts just long enough to dismiss them. This is common in many "regular" meditative techniques. However, being an observer to your own mind can be more than just a way to catch and get rid of thoughts. It can be a way to learn about what is going on just below the surface, to see how our thoughts mislead us. Try the following "observer" meditation.

Start by watching for any negative states as you go through your day. Perhaps you suddenly feel angry or irritated. You may or may not have a "reason." Maybe you notice that you resent a certain person, or feel that something is "unfair." Whenever you feel a negative state of any sort arising, take several deep breaths through your nose.

At the same time, take a mental step back to watch the drama going on in your mind. Negative states are normally produced by certain thoughts, and your goal is to become aware of them, and to note that you are free to believe them or not, and even to replace them with better thoughts. A few deep breaths and the purposeful choice to take on the role of an observer makes it possible to see what's there, often just below consciousness.

If you watch carefully, it will become clear that although they seem to be "you," these thoughts are in fact merely "visitors" or "imposters." They are not the "voice of reason." They are not your own internal voice nor trusted advisors. In fact, thoughts which lead to negative states are not useful or beneficial, though they will "tell" you that you need to listen to their advice, and try to perpetuate themselves. When you see this, they begin to fade away, or to simply ramble on in the background, purposefully ignored.

Don't be confused by the words here. Though we talk about "impostors" or thoughts which "tell" you they are you, this is just a metaphorical way to understand a very real phenomenon. You can use other words to describe it. Some people might describe it as their thoughts "pushing" them, for example. Just watch closely and you'll see the process.

Follow your short period of observation by another deep breath or two and a release of tension from your body. If you still feel the negativity, start watching those thoughts again. See that they are not "yours" any more than a spot of mud on your shoe is. Choose to see beyond any thoughts that are coughed up from the mechanical processes of an unenlightened unconscious mind.

You don't need to set aside time for this, nor do you need to stop what you are doing. This is meant to provide insight into your thinking patterns while you are actually going about your normal routines. Repeat this daily meditation as often as you need to. You will probably find that with time this makes you less influenced by thoughts that are not useful, or that mislead you.

Other Relevant Pages:

The Best Meditation Audio?

The Meditation Program - A Review

Two Reviews Of The Holosync Program

A Meditation for Conscious Awareness