This meditation was videotaped this morning at Bedlam Farm, as a large, windy, and rainy storm approached. It felt wonderful to me to stand at the gate and watch the apple tree and some sheep share the moment with me. The wind was really the star. Come and take a look, I hope it’s meaningful to you.
“This is your own time. This spot where you sit is your spot. You can become enlightened on this very spot and in this very moment. You don’t have to sit beneath a special tree in a distant land. Practice like this for a few months, and you will begin to know a profound and renewing delight.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
When it’s cold, I meditate in front of the wood stove for 10 02 20 minutes; it’s warm and comforting. I didn’t notice it at first, but over time, each of my three dogs – Zinnia, Fate, and Bud would quietly come over and sit and meditate with me, even if the meditation lasted for an hour (usually 10 to 15 minutes.)
I felt their presence, and it calmed me. It made the meditation more comfortable. I hope the video reflects that meaning and connection.
Zinnia was the first to join me, followed by the always intense Fate and Bud, who loves a good fire. Zinnia and I are one; she knows what I am going to do before I do.
The dogs were still silent as if they understood what I was doing and had come to meditate. They comforted me, and I felt their love and understanding of me. They make excellent and genuine meditation partners. You can see that for yourselves in the video.
It’s raining here, and I’m due for my COVID-19 vaccine shortly. I’m planning to rest today. This was an intense week, and the tension around the country was both sad and jarring. Hate is a poison. Meditation is an antidote. Elon Musk appeared in a dream last night (he was dancing in the pasture). I meditated this morning with the dogs before a wood stove fire. I’m crazy enough and sometimes hyper; I don’t need that outside energy if that is what it’s called.
Warmth and the affection of our dogs is an excellent way for me to start a meditation.
I’m mostly alone, often with Maria, but the animals are spirits, too, and I find that sitting with them brings me a lot of peace of mind.
I hope you enjoy this video; it’s (mostly) silent. The scene speaks for itself.
The spiritual person dwells on the same ground as the rest of us – the world of birth and death, permanence and self. Some thoughts for the coming week:
The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh wrote that by looking deeply into ourselves, we can free ourselves of the fears associated with the business of existence, of coming and going, of birth and death (of politics?). “In this freedom,” says Hanh, “we ride the waves of birth and death in perfect peace. We can remain in the world of waves while abiding in the name of water.”
In my meditation, the dogs are guides, helping to bring me inside and calm me down. They know what’s going on inside of me. This is love that can be used. See you later.
At some point in the day, morning or afternoon, I go out alone to be still with the Meditation Professionals, Donkeys, and Sheep. It is suitable for me, serene and calming, and it might be helpful to some of you who appreciate the power of animals to understand us and reach into our hearts.
Sometimes, I like to be alone; sometimes, it’s helpful to be silent with other living things. Meditation works for me.
Come along if you wish; these will be some tense days ahead, and I want to keep taking these meditation videos; the response has been kind and strong. Here is one I just did in our barn; I still sometimes make the sheep nervous – they associate me with herding dogs – but they are getting used to me and go in and out when I am there.
Sometimes, they sit still. The donkeys like to meditate with me, but they get annoyed if I don’t do some butt and ear scratching, so I do.
I often think of the famous Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Good advice from God or anybody. I’ve heard this a million times but it always makes sense to me. It always feels good and reminds me that the frails and shortcomings of human beings are not the whole story.
Donkeys are born meditators unless you try to make them do something they don’t want to do. When I need calming, I stand or sit with them for a while. It works. Come along. This is a new regular feature of the blog; thanks for all the good words about it.
