When I sat down in stillness and contemplation nine years ago, I did so not knowing that it would become a daily practice. In hindsight, this was an act of surrendering, acceptance and gentleness. It opened the door to so many other doors, each revealing a new aspect of my inner world. Nine years down the line and this journey into myself continues to be the most challenging, rewarding and fascinating of all the journeys I have undertaken.
My meditation practice has grown and taken different forms along the way, mirroring my own growth as a woman and human being. Driven by my inquisitive spirit, I have explored various methods of meditation, without adhering to any of them as a daily practice. This time last year, I was preparing to attend my second vipassana retreat (as a volunteer, this time) and thought that this method might be a path I would actively pursue. Instead, that retreat marked the end of my experience with the S.N Goenka organisation. I do not regret participating in those retreats because I was guided to go there as part of my meditation journey. What I discovered – or confirmed – is that my meditation practice does not require boundaries or rules to define it.
Last year taught me to be gentle and compassionate towards myself in ways I had ignored or dismissed previously. I meditate to be attentive, receptive, to be present with myself. There is nothing to attain, other than being with all that is.
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