Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving
till the right action arises by itself?
.... Tao Te Ching
BODY MIND SPIRIT
Finding the Sacred in Everyday Life
Nancy Ballinger
A great amnesia is rampant in our world today. It leads us to believe that we are separate from one another, from our Source and from ourselves. It gives the false sense of a split between the sacred and our everyday life and experience.
BODY, MIND, SPIRIT is about finding the sacred in everyday life. It is about learning to find the answers within ourselves. It is getting over the idea that we will find the answers anywhere other than where we are today, right now, in this sacred moment.
I begin my first column with the topic of meditation. It is where the beginner starts and the master ends. Meditation is what anchors a life in reality. Many people often think that meditation is checking out. It is actually just the opposite – checking in. Each meditation is unique because we rest in the moment, and each moment is, of course, unique. In meditation we don’t make anything happen. Instead we remove the obstacles of our thoughts and our inner wisdom appears (arises). I will focus on a simple breath meditation here. It is important to remember that whatever technique we use to quiet the mind – it is only a technique. The goal is always the same…resting in the soul of truth.
I was first introduced to meditation 25 years ago, and it has transformed my life. Yet even now, after all these years, I’m a novice - not just in the sense of having a “beginners mind,” but being so perfectly imperfect in my spiritual practice. It is my hope you will be able to relate somehow to my offerings on various topics each month related to our shared journey of awakening to the truth of who and what we are.
Meditation is for everyone! Some people may say that meditation doesn’t work for them because their mind keeps going and can’t stop. Even the most ancient teachings acknowledge that this is the nature of the mind. Iit is also the cause of our suffering. When we are at the mercy of our thoughts and feelings, believing them to be who and what we are, we may feel anxious, depressed, hopeless, and helpless.
This month, I invite you to try this experiment.
STOP
LOOK
LISTEN
STOP – Meditation is really very simple . . . dwelling in the moment. The difficult part is having the discipline to DO it. To notice the benefits, commit to practice 5-15 min. every day for 1 month. Stick with me, and don’t say you don’t have time! Make it part of your self-care in the morning or when you retire. Having a consistent time and place to sit quietly everyday is the most important component to success. Choose an environment that is quiet and, comfortable. Create an altar. Be open and receptive to the experience.
LOOK inside. Sitting in a quiet room in a comfortable chair with your back straight, close your eyes. Don’t lie down, you may fall asleep. To keep your mind from wandering, pay attention to your breathing. Concentrate either on the rise and fall of your stomach or the inhalation and exhalation of your breath. Try to stay focused on your breathing. When your mind wanders, bring it gently back to your breathing. It is the nature of the mind to be active and to seek stimulation. That is why we use a technique like following the breath to give the mind something to do. If we think of the mind like a puppy, we can use breath as a chew toy, giving it something to do. Some people find counting the breath “1” -in breath, “2” -out breath to be supportive. Another way might be to use a word like “Peace,” repeating this mantra during the inhalation and exhalation.
LISTEN and enjoy the quiet peacefulness of the moment. When your mind wanders (as it will) bring it gently back to your breathing or word. Don’t look for answers to problems in meditation. As the mind becomes more still, solutions to situations that have stumped us may arise. Simply notice it, and return to your breathing. Consciously conclude your time of meditation with a prayer, affirmation, or commitment to peace.
See how simple this is? No need to assume a full lotus position or learn an exotic mantra. Just sitting, quieting the mind, and resting in the peace – even if it is just a moment it has a calming, clearing effect on body, mind, and spirit.
Be gentle. Be patient. Be committed!
Here are the basics:
- Commit to a time and meditate every day (set an alarm clock for 5-15 minutes).
- If you miss a few days . . . gently return to your practice.
- Focus on the breath. When the mind, wanders bring it back to breath.
- Rest in the peace of your true being.
- Return consciously.
LOOK FOR THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION IN YOUR LIFE, NOT IN THE MEDITATION EXPERIENCE. Notice as you become more patient, less reactive, more creative and in the flow of life.
Please join us for group meditation at AWAKENING Interfaith Spiritual Community.
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Rev. Nancy Ballinger
Spiritual Director
AWAKENING Interfaith Spiritual Community
Rev. Nancy Ballinger has lived in Morro Bay with her husband Ron Schow since 1993. As an educator and Marriage, Family and Child Therapist she taught internationally for 10 yrs. with Quest International, consulted with alcohol treatment programs, served as Children’s Bereavement Counselor for Hospice of SLO and had a private practice until 2000.
In 1996 Nancy entered an interfaith seminary, and in 2000, graduated and was ordained. Since her ordination, ministry has been her full time work - offering counseling, classes, worship services, retreats, meditation, weddings, memorials, and more.
As the Spiritual Director and founding minister of AWAKENING Interfaith Spiritual Community in Morro Bay, she brings a rich background in Eastern and Western spirituality and philosophy, and an inspiring message of living an authentic life to one’s fullest potential.
www.awakeninginterfaith.org
AWAKENING Interfaith Spiritual Community is located at 1130 Napa St. (old Morro Elementary)
Weekly meditation offered :
Mondays 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sundays 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
ALL WELCOME
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