Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life, finding stability can be a daunting task. Too often we feel overwhelmed and out of control, but there's a way to find peace amidst the storm. And it all starts with the mind.
The Buddha understood the power of the mind and taught various techniques to tame it. One such technique is single-pointed concentration or shamatha. By focusing on the breath, we can train our minds to become stable and calm, leading to a sense of stability in our emotions and even our physical body.
But meditation isn't just about relaxation. It's a tool for gaining control over our thoughts and emotions. And with daily practice, we can improve our mental wellbeing and minimise the impact of bad days.
Many people have misconceptions about meditation, but it's not a religious practice. It's a practical tool for developing mindfulness, staying present, and letting go of worries about the past and future.
Starting a meditation practice can be challenging, especially when our minds are cluttered with negative thoughts. But with discipline and time, it can become a relaxing and even blissful experience.
Finding stability in a world that feels so unstable may seem like an impossible task, but it's not. It all starts with the mind. When our mind is stable, our thoughts become stable. And when our thoughts become stable, our emotions follow suit, leading to a sense of calm and balance that permeates every aspect of our being.
If you're new to meditation, the practice of single-pointed concentration or shamatha can be a powerful tool to help you cultivate stability in your mind. By focusing on your breath and letting go of distractions, you can create a sense of inner peace and calm that can carry you through even the toughest of times.
But let's be real, meditation can be hard work. Our minds are often cluttered with negative thoughts and distractions that can make it difficult to focus. That's why it's important to start small and build up gradually.
Remember, meditation is not about finding relaxation, although that can be a wonderful byproduct. It's about taking back power over the mind and using it as a tool to create stability and balance in your life.
So why not give it a try? Start with just 7 minutes of guided meditation and see where it takes you. Who knows, you might just find the stability you've been seeking all along.
Happy meditating!
Daniel Troyak is a Mindfulness-based Therapist.
With his support, unpack and unravel the contents of the mind.
Learn the tools for emotional processing and healing so you can live a happy, calm and peaceful life.