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Tag: MindfulnessMatters

  • Sitting at the Door: Contemplation as Spiritual Rest

    Sitting at the Door: Contemplation as Spiritual Rest

    In The Cloud of Unknowing, the author describes contemplation as a form of “spiritual sleep.” This isn’t physical sleep but a metaphor for the quieting of the active, discursive mind. It’s a state where the soul surrenders to divine mystery, resting in stillness and trust.

    Contemplation, like spiritual sleep, is not about doing—it’s about resting. It invites us to let go of striving, reasoning, or trying to achieve. Instead, we allow ourselves to simply be in the moment, releasing the need to understand or control.

    This restful quality makes contemplation deeply transformative. By sitting at the door, we step into a space where the usual busyness of thought subsides. In this stillness, we aren’t unconscious but profoundly present—open to grace and insight beyond the grasp of the mind.

    Here are a few reminders to guide you in this practice:

    Rest in Not-Knowing: Let go of the need for answers or outcomes. Allow the mystery to hold you.

    Surrender Effort: Contemplation is not something you achieve but something you allow. Trust that simply sitting is enough.

    Embrace Stillness: Like the restful quality of sleep, let the mind settle naturally without forcing it to be quiet.

    When you sit at the door, remember that this practice is about creating space for grace to unfold. Whether thoughts arise or the mind becomes still, you are already practicing. By resting in this spiritual sleep, you connect with a deeper awareness that transcends the ordinary.

    Contemplation isn’t about doing—it’s about resting. And in that resting, profound transformation is quietly at work.

    #Zen
    #Zazen
    #LivingTheDream
    #MindfulnessMatters

  • Balancing Strong Determination and Just Sitting in Practice

    Balancing Strong Determination and Just Sitting in Practice

    Meditative practice offers many paths, each with its unique approach to cultivating awareness and equanimity. Two practices that beautifully complement each other are Adhitthana (strong determination sitting) and the practice of just sitting.

    What is Adhitthana?
    In Vipassana meditation, Adhitthana translates to strong determination or resolve. It involves committing to sit with absolute stillness for a set period—whether one minute, five minutes, or longer. During this time, the practitioner resists the urge to move, scratch, or adjust, no matter what sensations or thoughts arise.

    The purpose is not to create tension but to cultivate mental strength and patience. By sitting still, you observe discomfort, restlessness, or thoughts with equanimity, realizing that they, too, will pass. This practice sharpens focus and builds resilience.

    What is Just Sitting?
    On the other hand, the practice of just sitting is about letting go of effort. It invites you to allow everything—thoughts, sensations, and even subtle movements—to arise naturally. There’s no striving for stillness or achievement. Instead, it’s an act of surrender, simply being present without resistance or judgment.

    How Do These Practices Work Together?
    While they may seem different, Adhitthana and just sitting are complementary:

    Adhitthana strengthens discipline and equanimity, helping you navigate discomfort with grace.

    Just sitting emphasizes openness and surrender, encouraging a relaxed acceptance of what is.

    By alternating these practices, you can experience the benefits of both. For instance, you might set aside a few minutes for Adhitthana to cultivate stillness, then transition into just sitting to release effort and rest in awareness.

    Finding Balance in Your Practice
    There’s no “right” way—only what feels supportive in the moment. Both practices honor the essence of meditation: being present with what is. Whether you’re sitting still with strong determination or allowing movement and thoughts to flow, each approach deepens your connection to the present.

    Remember, the goal is not perfection but presence. Through these practices, you learn to meet both stillness and movement with equanimity, trusting that each has its place in the journey of self-discovery.

    #Zen
    #Zazen
    #LivingTheDream
    #MindfulnessMatters