A May begins, the country seems to be on the cusp of a transition from clearcut lockdown to partial and spotted easing of restrictions and the push/pull momentum to "return to normal" or more realistically, "return to the new normal" which is yet to be defined. It's a point we are likely to revisit again and again over the projected timetable of the pandemic (which now ranges from a few months to two years). When events, guidelines and interpretations, opinions and reportedly facts keep changing, continuing the practice of meditation helps to maintain a center of calm in our lives. We can gain self-insight as we stay aware of our own responses to this new level of uncertainty that may aid us in the future.
Yet as I have written before, meditation can be practiced without spiritual content or focus as a secular exercise in relaxation, concentrated attention and even inner reflection. Generally, for people asking me for advice about a spiritual practice I talk about three components: turning inward, positive participation, and giving way. The first two can be part of a healthy secular practice, but giving way brings with it something beyond human will and effort. Forgiveness too can happen without spiritual intent, because everyone at one time or another-- as a matter of necessity in a world that includes human mistakes and mishaps--learns to let go of small resentments and hurt feelings over unintentional slights and trespasses. But the bigger forgiveness issues in life, demand a different kind of "giving way". When we "give way" we move beyond personal will power to another order of reality.
For more of thoughts on "giving way" follow the link from the website: