Stillness. Sitting meditation is like returning home to give full attention to and care for ourselves. Like the Buddha, we too can radiate peace and stability. We sit upright with serenity, and return to our breathing. We are able to maintain a relaxed and upright position when our posture is stable. Using the right cushion or bench will enable us to be steady by allowing our weight to be balanced and supported on three points: our buttocks and our two knees. We bring our full attention to what is within and around us. We let our mind become spacious and our heart soft and kind.
Sitting meditation is healing. We realize we can just be with whatever is within us – our pain, anger, and irritation, or our joy, love, and peace. We are with whatever is there without being carried away by it. Let it come, let it stay, then let it go. No need to react, to run away from or to push, to oppress, or to ignore. We observe the thoughts and images of our mind with an accepting and loving mind. We are free to be still and calm despite the storms that might arise in us.
We will sit for periods of 20 or 30 minutes. If our legs or feet fall asleep or begin to hurt during the sitting, we are free to adjust our position quietly. We can maintain our concentration and support others in their practice by following our breathing, as we slowly and attentively change our posture.
Mindfulness Practice Community of Toronto 