It's a beautiful morning here on the lake, quiet but for the sounds of nature. The mist is still rising off the water though less than when I first came to the water’s edge earlier. At that time the lake looked like a witch’s cauldron that had been simmering a long time. The steamy puffs overflowing from her brew were floating towards me without a whisper of a sound.
For me there is a chill in the air though nothing that a couple of blankets and a warm sweater won't cure. It's an easy price to pay for the quiet. After all it's still early so I'm sure as the morning progresses the sun will warm things up. The surface of the lake is still with only the mist swirling above it.
I settle myself at the water’s edge, sitting erect, taking a few deep breaths, and giving thanks for this opportunity. I don't often get to meditate in nature comfortably. I close my eyes, rest my hands on my lap, and let my thoughts flow from one to the next. I try to drop into what I’m feeling, without holding on to any particular thought about it – not good or bad, happy or sad. I come back to my breath when I realize I’m stuck.
I may have my eyes closed but still my ears hear all that's going on around me. There's Harley, the neighbor’s dog, barking. High in some tree not far from me is a woodpecker hammering away. A flock of geese fly by yakking away. They must be close though because I can hear the swish, swish, swish sound of their wings. It's a delicate sound yet strong. Every so often I feel a hint of breeze and the longer I sit the warmer the sun feels.
The longer I sit the more at peace I feel. Then awareness dawns that my body is uncomfortable. It’s time to finish the meditation. It’s time to get on with the day and share the love I’ve found in starting mine.
What a perfect way to start the day!
Now, sometime later, I think back on that beautiful morning. I start everyday with meditation so what made that one so special or different? First of all it was out in the open. Nature has a high energy that can be healing on many levels – physical, mental or emotional. Even a walk in the woods or through a garden is good for you. Doctors recognize this healing element of nature. As a result, many hospitals incorporate as much nature as possible in their spaces. We often forget nature in our busy city lives but getting a dose of nature will lift any heavy heart.
The second thing about my lake meditation was that it was comfortable. I've tried meditation in my garden. It came to a quick end when the mosquitoes decided to join me. No, I mean, devour me! I went running!! In a regular meditation practice you need to find a spot that you can return to everyday, preferably at the same time too. The mind becomes conditioned to knowing that is your meditation space and before you even sit there your body starts to relax. Most of the time you're not even aware it's happening but it’s your little corner and it’s comfortable.
And last, variety is the spice of life. I like my solo meditations but I've also had marvelous experiences within group meditations. I have a wonderful base at home yet it's great to have a change of scene, and scenery. It allows new ideas to surface and different ways of viewing your life or way of being. Though meditation works best when practiced consistently, and with as little as five minutes each time, don’t be afraid to try something different once in a while.
Consistent meditation can bring you a deep sense of peace. It is a reminder that the well of peace is available within you no matter the chaos you seem to have broiling outside of you. I urge you to try one of the many types of meditation available. Every dip you take into the well of peace brings more and more to the surface helping you manage the outer world.
Just thinking about that early morning lake brings back a feeling of peace. I wish the same peace for you in your day. If you need help finding your way to the well don't hesitate to call me. I'll share my experience with you.