Last night I went to sleep soundly while meditating to Tara Brach’s Meditation: A Healing Breath (2015-10-28). This morning I awoke and observed my early morning mind. It was already creating weak thoughts about worries of the future. About five minutes after rising out of bed, I came to a significant point of arrival. I had an epiphany.
1. Meditation has helped me observe my nonsensical chattering mind. This “monkey mind” when left to it’s own devices wanders to the future in fear and to the past in remorse. Not a good monkey, a cute one at that, but not a thoughtful one.
2. In poor form, my worrying thoughts lead to a weak state of mind which leads to a wishy washy day. It all rolls out from the head. I don’t know about you, but I know this life is not a dress rehearsal and I certainly don’t want a watered down version of a great performance day. I want an astonishingly awesome day.
3. I’ve drawn the conclusion that a resplendent and sublime day, sui generis begins with a mind that serves me well. A resolute and steady mind.
A quote: We’ve been conditioned to associate greatness with people who’ve achieved power or fame in the outside world. . .We place little value on an inner greatness that can be developed by anyone, regardless of his station in life.
Which got me thinking about Victor Frankl and his triumph under the most extreme conditions in a concentration camp in Nazi Germany and his powerful writing in Man’s Search for Meaning (an inspiring and epic read) and a great book to gift – Man’s Search for Meaning, Gift Edition
Inner strength and greatness begins with powerful and substantial thoughts. We have much to gain from a strong and disciplined mind.
Additional References
Additional Reference Reading
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha
Of Undisputed Origin 