Tuesday, 14 April 2009
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Letting the World Go By: A Vacation for Mind & Soul
By Various Artists
see relatedPassing Clouds
The bottom of a pail is broken through. - A Zen Master, on enlightenment
Blustery wind days lift my eyes up to the sky. To watch the passing clouds as they change while drifting by my view point. You know the ones I speak of? The thunderheads before the thunder? The puffy cumulus blowing across its blue grey background? They form, bend, and shape themselves on the winds whim.
Once upon a time, I wanted to see or rather experience meditation. I wanted to know that I could quiet my mind. I wanted to learn how to completely empty my thoughts and experience the bliss of No Thingness. I had these preconceived ideas of what meditation was going to bring me. I had a lot to learn. When I went to the first "sitting", I was too excited to experience anything at all. Several "sittings" later, I spoke to my instructor about all the thoughts that keep coming into my mind. "How do I get my busy mind to relax?," I inquired.
"Passing clouds," she said. "Let them go by like passing clouds."
From then on, I let the clouds of thoughts just pass on by. It got easier and easier the less I tried. I just let it happen and found myself rested and not empty, but quiet full. Full of a peacefulness in mind, body and spirit. I'm sure each person experiences what they seek with mediation if willing. I'm also pretty sure that each person has an individual experience with the practice of meditation. Personalized by our own desires to understand our busy minds.
Since then, when I look up to these clouds as they push and dance in the sky, my smile comes easily, and my mind relaxes. I experience the childlike joy of watching the shapes and images take my thoughts and let them pass on by.
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Comments (30)
You're just chalk full of cool stuff to share, dear! I love it! So glad you shared.
cleared your mind , you have....to meditate on the richness this universe has to offer , you have.....mmmmhhhmm....
@whit1980 - Thank you. Sending hugs your way.
@guestbrief - Thank you. I took so many pier shots. I had trouble picking just one.
@rebootie -mmmmhhhmmm It's a good thing too.
@Jaynebug - and please don't forget , the bagel, cream cheese and jalajelly to clear the mind....hhmmmhhmmmm
Thank you for sharing this!
I've never tried actual mediation, but I could sit by the water or gaze at the clouds forever while my thoughts just drift along.
Half of the "good" pictures in my computer are of clouds...
I really like that thought...letting things drift...
you lucky person! i meditate but my body picks the right time to... otherwise my attention finds something else to absorb very quickly
@XxWiltedRosexX -
@WakeUpLaughing - There's a meditation form for sure.
@youandwhosearmy - Good ole clouds.
@neotame - Time and space can be just the ticket.
I wrote this couple of years ago for my religion class...thought you might enjoy it, at least as much as I enjoyed your clouds...wonderful..S
The Unsearchable
It is
not this: not sky,
or reflections of sky ,
or thoughts, or dreams, or intentions
of sky;
Wild swans
may borrow the
wind, the sun only flies
within white feathered wings over
water--
wholly
transcendent; It
is not beauty, it is
not warmth, it is not light; It is:
not this.
2/7/06
I love these -- especially the 3rd and 4th -- and I really like the metaphor of the passing clouds as a part of meditation!
My thoughts are like passing clouds . . . actually, they're like the Concorde . . . there and back again before I've even thought them! Pretty pics!
I love clouds - when I was young I used to imagine what it would be like riding a cloud - sometimes fast, sometimes slow, and what a great view you would have...
Clouds still make me feel like I am connected, that there is something miraculous there, overhead.
@BianchiStreet - Lovely.
@slmret - Thnak you. I am captivated by their movement.
@jacksoncroons - I can relate to the Concorde mind movement. hehehe
@nellinidaho - You said it right there. I'm connected to them and the miracle of it all.
Those clouds are beautiful. I especially like the first pic.
I don't meditate - unless getting into a nonthinking zone from time to time counts. Or a few simple relaxation techniques. What I think is good about your clouds is that there are a LOT of them and many opportunities for you to get happy! Peace
@icepearlz -Thank you. I pulled over to get that one.
@shellisland - True enough and I think your nonthinking zone is exactly the thing.
I also meditate on clouds and the river and the ocean. Great photos and great post.
@stixandstonz - Thank you. (pats heart)
clouds .. yes. I love them, watching them.
I'll have to try this ... I've never been able to meditate, but I need to.
thanks.
j.
These are great pictures, and great thoughts
In Christs Love
Michelle~
@speraquodvereor - I learned and practiced daily meditation about 10 years ago. It took some time and some letting go, but now I can reach that space anytime and it is a good thing for my very busy mind.
@Michellereneewrites4Christ - Thanks Michelle.
What a great meditation. Judi