Here we are, the morning after Election Day, with no clear idea who will be leading our country for the next four years. We will have to be patient and wait for the outcome, I’m told. But what can we do with our angst in the meantime? Some suggest meditation for stress relief. Here’s what happened to me when I tried to quiet my mind. I hope you have greater success than I did.
Thinking I’d give meditation a try, I sat down in the comfort of my reading room, surrounded by magazine litter, disorganized books and other clutter, and attempted to become One with The Universe.
Who ever knew birds could be so loud? They wouldn’t stop chirping so I could hear that Still Small Voice within. So I started chanting, silently, to distract myself from the shrill singing and the percussion of pounding hammers. (Someone is building a new home two blocks from my house.)
I am grateful fro this day. I give thanks for all that I’ve received. I ask only that You guide me in the direction of my highest good.
Chee-ee-urp! Chee-ee-urp! Chee-ee-urp-urp-urp!
Whack, whack, whack!
OK. This isn’t working.
Wait a minute. What did Eckhart Tolle say in his book, The Power of Now? Or was it A New Earth? You know, about the spaces between thoughts? I’m supposed to try and extend the time between my thoughts so that the intervals become longer and longer.
I will think no thoughts.
(Pause)
But isn’t “I will think no thoughts” a thought? Oh, great. I’ve already botched it.
Seriously. That’s it. No more thoughts. Not a single one.
(Moments pass.)
I did it! I didn’t think a single thought for, what? At least several seconds. Uh-huh, but now here I am THINKING about how long I’ve managed to not think! I’ve probably negated the benefits of whatever minor accomplishments I’ve made.
This is insane.
Try again.
I entertain nothing but the quietness within me.
You ninny! That was a thought!
Start over.
“Start over” was a thought!
Stop, already! Quit thinking! Let it go-o-o. Just be.
Time and external stimuli ceased.
And then I woke up.
Did that count?
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Diana Estill 