My monthly meditation group is studying the universal aspects of meditation. The what, how, and why that applies to meditating, regardless of any specific practice. This month, we focused on preparation. 

How does one get ready to meditate? There are many approaches. Lighting a candle. Washing the body. Saying a prayer. Using a special location. Setting an intention. 

What do they have in common? Each impacts the experience and depth of the meditation. Each impacts the attitude with which we approach meditation. This concept of attitude, or energetic stance, towards meditation was the focus of our discussion and practice for the evening….

I am grounded: in my Ideals,  my daily practices, my disciplines that have become my devotions.

I am balanced: male and female, masculine and feminine, I create a strong container to hold my tenderness and vulnerability.

I am powerful: I use my power wisely. I empower myself and others; I am not overpowered by others nor do I overpower them.

I am loving: my heart is big enough to hold all of my joys and all of my sorrows, and courageous enough to travel to the tender places where my wisdom lies hidden beneath my wounds.

I am willing: I willingly let go of that which no longer serves my highest good and willingly co-create my life with the highest that I know.

I am integrated: left brain/right brain, logic and creativity, intellect and intuition—these work together to help me see the whole.

I am divine: Divinity created me, Divinity lives in me, Divinity flows through me.

Doing follows Being.

What does this mean? How do we learn how to be, when we are so programmed to do, do, do?

One of the most effective practices I have been taught is called creative non-doing. Essentially, taking a few moments each day to just be. To be still, silent. Nowhere to go, nothing to do. A pause. A space. An allowance….