Energy is affected by intention. If we approach meditation with an intense need to calm and find a focus, we probably won’t be able to. This very aim affects our breathing and sense of ease. Make the aim about purification, letting things be how they are without getting intense about it.
The body can self-reference. It knows when it’s in balance, what upright is, and can relax what’s not needed. When the physical form becomes comfortable, bring attention to the bodily mood. Mind can pick up tones of firm, open, confident from the body.
Formal meditation is helpful, but we need to cultivate careful attention throughout the day. Use mind skilfully to bond attention in the body. Notice the body’s own intelligence. Attention becomes less like a scientist, more like a healer – the good friend.
A talk between meditations given on day 2 of an 8-day meditation retreat by Ven. Pannavati (after a teaching on the 10 impediments by Ven. Pannadipa), followed by a song by Dr. Hall "It's in Stillness that Truth Abides"
Learn to tune into these 3 languages that are happening all the time, but we don’t hear them. Mind language (thought) overwhelms and corrupts; learn the language of the heart and body.
This guided practice awakens a relaxed and friendly attention that rests in the breath and opens to whatever is arising. We deepen that presence with the intention to truly say “Yes” to experience, allowing life to be just as it is.
