Have you ever wondered what life would be like not to be irritated by someone cutting in front of you in line, or, in traffic? Or, when someone is late? Or by a “difficult” friend or family member? What would it feel like not to mentally compare yourself to someone else — be jealous, or rate yourself now against who you were five, or 10 years ago?
Mindfulness Meditation, which is firmly rooted in Buddhist psychology and philosophy, is the gateway to a peace of mind, lasting happiness and joy that does not depend on comparing and rating yourself and others, or finding the next great meal or relationship, or whether you are healthy or ill. In fact, it does not depend upon any external circumstances at all. Almost weekly, there are new scientific and psychological articles demonstrating the mental, emotional and physical benefits of Mindfulness Meditation. Neuroscientists meet yearly with the Dalai Lama to discuss their common ground. (Mindfulness Meditation practices have been introduced in many public schools, teaching youngsters how to see, understand and regulate their emotions and reactivity.)
My journey with these practices started four years ago. Last month, I completed a 90-day, solitary meditation retreat. I have personally benefitted from the practices I have learned by a marked decrease in the frequency, intensity and duration of stress, anger and other unhelpful emotions, and a profound increase in happiness, joy, love and equanimity.
This will be a brief talk about my experience with Mindfulness Meditation, what it is, and is not; and, if there is time and interest, a short guided meditation. There will be relevant articles for you to peruse after the meeting. A follow-up e-mail to all will provide direct links to these articles.
