Meditation - how to?

[Master Logray]

5 hours ago, BigSkyDiamond said:

boredom is an emotion so it is treated like any other emotion, or any other thought, that arises.

observe it, allow it, and it floats on by.

 

whatever distraction arises is part of the practice.  

barking dog, loud leafblower, noisy neighbors.  listen for the silence that is in and around and between the noises.  there is always an underlying stillness, so i can rest in that awareness.

 

 

 

My idea of boredom is more like being bored, devoid of attractions and stimulation, that dull the senses, not so much as an emotion reacting to something.   

[steve]

One way to look at meditation is simply that meditation is life.

In the tradition I follow there are three basic steps.

First step is to recognize the proper view, to have an experiential understanding of the mind's foundation.

Second step is to cultivate familiarity and stability, to develop an intimate relationship with this foundation.

Third step is to take every experience of life as the path, that is to bring the meditation off the cushion and into life.

This is called integration.

 

A comment about boredom. I look at boredom as resistance, a form of aversion.

The mind is always trying to become, it is not often satisfied with simply being, with what is, at least not for very long.

This is its nature and that characteristic has some definite advantages, but also disadvantages as this endless longing for something else, something more or different, may be a major source of physical and emotional stress.

If I simply notice this tendency and develop the skill to be able to be with that boredom, eventually it eases and opens me to what is actually there, which is everything. In each and every moment of life we are surrounded by such beauty, such magic. We take so much for granted but if we can see what is all around us with fresh eyes and an open heart/mind, it is nearly impossible to be bored. 

 

Sitting on my front porch this morning, surrounded by the leaves and grass, a raccoon, squirrels, a beautiful family out for a walk, birdsong, the moisture of an overcast day... thoughts and distractions coming and going.... magnificent!