Today, some short text sharing my current understanding about living presently in life as one who practices meditation.
When we first try meditation or relaxation techniques, there can sometimes be a transition of detaching the self from one's surroundings and 'holing up' inside one's own being. This can be useful for finding a footing to understand ourselves and sometimes for the first time we glimpse our true nature.
At some time, it is also important to go beyond just what is self and embrace the world surrounding us. After all, we are part of the phenomena we come into contact with, as much as it is a part of us. It can be useful though to keep that sense of self we found during meditation. Fashions can come and go almost daily and if we find ourselves caught up in them it is even more important to have a strong sense of self.
By acknowledging our own 'uniqueness', we can more fully appreciate the 'uniqueness' in others. With the end of the Olympic Games in London and soon the beginning of the Paralympic Games, there are many examples of people who have managed to keep their heads under adversity, against what people have said is possible and whatever else could pull them from their goals. In a few months, most people will have forgotten the Games and either be focused on Rio, or whatever new fashion is pumped into the mainstream.
During meditation we are training ourselves to accept the obstacles that arise and just stay focused on the object of the meditation. Similarly, we can accept whatever fashions come our way, whatever seems to be the flavour of the month. Keeping a sense of self but at the same time enjoying the experiences that come with the latest fashions. Many individuals from different countries have taken part in the Olympic Games in London but they are all still Nationals of their own countries. Similarly, you could try to experience the world around you fully, but keep your own identity.
