Fall, a time for change, a time for conservation, and a time for retrospection. When the fall is upon us that is the time for fertilization of our ground. Fall is when we reap what we have sown and harvest our rewards. Fall is also the time to evaluate what we have and plan for the future. Usually we enjoy the fruits of our labor and stock up for the winter.
Sometimes we are unable to reap a bounty; sometimes we are unable to enjoy a bounty due to the diminutive harvest. In cases where we have such a small amount of harvest where do we begin to think inwardly and plan for the next year?
As the fall approaches we have only to look in the stores or on the TV to see that soon it will be Thanksgiving and then Christmas. If we have a small harvest in today’s world it is hard to be thankful ( or so our society says) as Christmas approaches we must keep up with the Jones’s and buy, buy, buy.
Now what are we to do to break the cycle of this close-minded mind set? How can we open our minds to the possibilities of the abundance all around us? Well we could use a mind altering drug but I whole-heartedly DO NOT recommend that route.
However there is another mind altering pathway that could be taken and for most people should be taken. I am talking about meditation.
Prayer is asking God for something, meditation is listening to God.
You cannot do one without the other but most people do, most people just ask and ask without listening or hearing the answers. Meditation or mindful reflection is a way to clear your mind and open your hearts to the answers. Imagine being able to clear your mind and focus on the stillness, being able to clearly hear the answers so that you can make better more informed choices.
Now I know what you are saying, “I am not sitting in that cross legged Lotus position, I would never get back up” or “if I sat and meditated I would never get anything done”. Well you do not have to do anything fancy or tricky, all you have to do is be mindful and relax. Thich Nhat Hahn teaches that you should be mindful in all you do from eating to moving.
All you need is a semi quiet place and five minutes to begin with and then as you progress you might want more time but that is up to you. When you are ready you will find the time.
Remember meditation is not a chore but an exciting activity that benefits you and can help you as you journey through life.
Good wishes in this bountiful time and remember to be thankful no matter what.
Keeping you happy, healthy and wise