Today’s blog post is a little different. Just for today I am giving a free introductory lesson in the art of meditation. If you don’t fancy the idea it’s no problem at all. Off you go, see you next time. I won’t take offence. Everyone else follow me please. Don’t be scared. I am not going to make you wear robes or put hippy beads round your neck. There is no chanting involved and we won’t be burning incense sticks.
Let’s get you nice and comfy then, perhaps in your favourite armchair? Can we try to quieten the room as much as possible. Minimum distractions of an audio or visual nature. Never used to have to say this in the 70s but I probably have to now. Mobile phones off please.
Right then. So what’s on your mind? Lots of worries, fears and questions rushing around in there? Here’s a piece of paper and a pen. I want you to write it all down, but please leave out trivial thoughts. Things like “did we pay the gas bill?” or “what’s for tea tonight?”
OK so you have completed your list. Pop it in an envelope and seal it down tight. We are now going to take your envelope and put it somewhere safe and out of sight. Perhaps in that drawer over there? You may have it back the minute you are done, and it will definitely still be there, I promise you that. But for now you are going to take a much needed break from the contents of your list.
Can you now try very hard to sit still and think about nothing? It will be difficult but every time something pops into your head send it away. Remember ignore everything on your list and anything trivial. Find an object to focus on, perhaps that picture on the wall or that vase of flowers? Eventually you should be able to clear your mind and enjoy some temporary peace and quiet. Feel free to finish whenever you like. I know you won’t forget to get your list out of the drawer and I expect you’ll want to destroy it. That’s fine, just be careful if you are setting light to it.
Did you like that? That was just the preparation. The lesson is for tonight when you are trying to get to sleep.
OK then. Let’s have you lying in bed with no distractions round you. Remember the contents of that list? Of course you do. I’m sure it’s all still in your head. So can you now visualize writing it down, putting that list into an imaginary envelope and leaving it in a safe place? Just while you try to get a few hours sleep and then you can have it all back in the morning. Can you do that empty the mind thing again that you managed so well earlier? Perfect, I knew you could. You have been a very good pupil.
Let’s lastly find you one simple thought to pop into that empty mind. That will help you focus. You choose what you’d like. You can relive a happy event in your life? Recite some poetry? Count some sheep maybe?
Sweet dreams xx
