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PERSONAL REFLECTIONS | EASTERN HORIZON 49

One core belief of Buddhism teaches that both There are countless ways to meditate, and no method
happiness and sadness is the responsibility of each is the only correct method for everyone. Many people
individual, which also means that we all have the fear meditation as they already make up their minds
complete control to change our lives. that they will not be good at it. That’s the whole point
of meditation—to relax within yourself and put all
What a refreshing and enlightening concept! negativity aside. The important thing to remember is to
simply begin, and to try different techniques until you
I know that the life lessons I have learned through find the one that works for you.
Buddhism will continue to breathe life and breadth
with their true strength and power as I face new fears, How to Start
challenges and bouts of sadness that I now know are Read a few books, talk to people who meditate, find a
just a part of the natural human experience. class and learn about it.

I hope that the following five pieces of Buddhist wisdom Begin my practicing the simple act of sitting still for a
will find you well . . . few minutes a day and closing your eyes. Turn off all
phones, your television, computer and even music so
1. Meditation that you can feel and even hear your own breath. Do not

Meditation is not easy, and if it was, it would not be able give up if you feel nervous or anxious to begin with, there
to deliver to you the peace and well-being that it does is no right way or wrong way to meditate, it is not a race
once you get the hang of it. Like all worthy endeavors, or a contest. If you can only sit still for five minutes to
it takes practice, patience and even some had work in begin with, at least you know you are on your way to a
order to benefit from its invaluable gifts. more authentic self, and hopefully a healthier you.

One of the oldest practices in history, meditation has Above all, keep practicing. The changes you will see in
been used for centuries to heal the human spirit, calm your life will be mind-altering and will alter your life.
the mind and even cure and aid severe physical pain and
emotional suffering. 2. Begin each day with a Positive Motivation
Rather than just hoping that you will have a peaceful
In our fast-paced and violent-charged world wherein day and have positive experiences, make it happen.
every segment of our population seems to be stressed In other words, before stepping out from a deep
out, learning how to meditate is one way that can help slumber and going through the auto-pilot mechanics of
us heal and more importantly thrive and learn to be your hectic life, take five to 10 minutes to think about
peaceful, even in the eye of a life’s biggest storms. some positive feelings and outlooks to set in motion.
This will make it more likely that you will be able to
Part of the process begins with simply learning how experience peace for the coming day ahead, whatever
to be still, quiet and truly relax. This can help anyone, the day might bring.
whether suffering from depression, or longing for
a more meaningful and well-intentioned life. The My own motivations and affirmations include:
purposeful act or rather non-act of meditating is also I will attempt to be peaceful in all of my interactions with
a proven and highly effective way of helping people others.
to manage severe emotional and even physical pain. I will be a conduit of calm, serenity and happiness in all
This includes those who suffer from post-traumatic things that I do.
stress disorder from the effects of war and emotional I will attempt to gain positive enlightenment from my day
turmoil which can include mental illness and clinical and learn from others.
depression. I will accept people as loving, peaceful and accepting as I
am and will not judge.