ZenView
Mary Layton
Looking for Serenity
What is serenity? The Oxford dictionary defines it as: “ The state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled.”
The goal of meditation is to reach a state of serenity that is when your mind is still and calm. We live in unprecedented times. Our world is changing in front of our very eyes. I find that I have an even greater need to find peace and tranquility. But so often, I feel there’s not enough time in the day for it. My mother used to tell me: “Don’t just sit there, do something!” Actually, I believe that most of us would not be so comfortable being told the opposite: “Don’t just do something , sit there!”
Our culture discourages us from being still. The number of things one gets done can become the measurement of one’s personal success and self worth. Continuous busyness becomes a compulsion. It works well for a while, but in the moment one looses one’s cool, makes mistakes and gets cranky it could be time to look for some serenity. The question is: How does one switch gears to find it? I think it starts with a willingness to seek an activity that helps to slow down the runaway train of the mind. Put problems and a emotions aside. Let go of expectations and fearful assumptions. It can be as simple as reminding oneself of what it is one is doing in this very moment, like “I’m driving, cooking, cleaning, etc.” Repetitive exercises, meditating or praying can work wonders in bringing the mind into a more tranquil place. Breathing may become deeper and fuller. Even if there’s an awareness of tension – it is a good feeling to connect with what is real.
Connecting with my inner self I may discover that I am the captain of my reality. It’s up to me whether I want to stay with fearful or upsetting thoughts or whether I like to direct my mind toward peace and possibility. Staying focused on the moment and on one activity is the key to keeping life simple and enjoyable. Whatever I had been trying to figure out about the past or the future before is no longer having a hold on my mental and physical energy. The only thing that counts is the moment I am in. It is the only thing I have any power and control over anyway.
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