In uncertain times, it is really easy to fall into fear and despair. While these responses to the turmoil in our world are understandable, they are definitely not helpful. As it turns out, no matter how bad things may get in the future, in the immediate present (or what is called “the now”) there’s rarely anything wrong. Most of us enjoy enough air, water, food, roofs over our heads and cloths to keep us warm.
When stressed about possible outcomes, it’s important to keep in mind the words of the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne when he said, “I have suffered through many misfortunes in my life, most of which never happened.” If you find yourself dealing with worry and anxiety, you can’t concentrate or sleep and your thoughts are racing, a daily meditation practice can help.
You only need 5 or 10 minutes a day. Although, once you get going, you are likely to find yourself so peaceful, you’ll want to stay in a meditative state as long as possible. Sit or lay down in a relaxed position, breath through your nostrils and pay attention to the tip of your nose, while mentally watching the air go in and out. Don’t be concerned if you find yourself lost in thought. That’s inevitably going to happen and it is actually where the real practice begins. True meditation is in “the return”, noting thought, going back to watching the breathing and enjoying your peaceful state is what the work is all about.
