I once tried to introduce my three nieces to meditation using the Buddhify app. It didn’t go so well. I explained that sometimes when they were fighting with each other and I got quiet, it was because I’d gone to a quiet place inside to meditate. They thought that was hilarious. Ever since then, whenever I’m sitting quietly somewhere, one of them will ask whether I’m Buddhitating. Actually they drop the “g” and say , “Buddhitatin” like a good Southerner would. Cute, right?
Maybe they are onto something. I always thought meditation had to be this serious thing done in lotus position by people who (unlike me) didn’t have so many thoughts racing through their heads. But three or four meditation retreats later, I’m starting to understand that just taking a moment to sit is good enough. Maybe I could find ways to incorporate a walking, driving, or sitting mediation to give me a little pause in the day.
Every day I have a chance see beauty and wonder. Last night, I walked through downtown Palo Alto, admiring the white lights wrapped around the tree trunks. This morning I meditated on rubbing my cat’s belly while she purred. Then, I paused to feel the cool crisp morning air as I reached for the newspaper, realizing that fall is finally here.
Today, I’m going to find more of these moments to savor and let that be my daily meditation. I hope you’ll join me.
Boonedoggler 