Meditation is often perceived as a self-discipline tool – when one needs to fold oneself into the lotus position and force the mind to focus on one thing. This is probably the main reason why many people fail to meditate. It is true that some types of meditations are stricter than others – for example Zen meditation is well known for its somewhat disciplined practice of zazen (sitting meditation in which one primarily focuses on the breath and brings the mind back to it whenever it wanders off).
Naturally, to experience the present moment more fully, we do need to develop the ability to focus. Otherwise, our minds are usually too distracted and busy to let us feel our body and notice any internal or external sensations. This is why mindfulness meditation typically starts with focusing on a meditation anchor – usually breathing, sounds or body sensations. However, the goal is not necessarily to completely empty the mind of any thoughts and distractions. It is rather to help slow down thinking so that we can start noticing that these thoughts and distractions happen!
Once we are more aware of what is happening in the present moment – in our bodies, minds, and hearts – we can then allow ourselves to fully experience this natural flow of life itself. We discover that meditation has opened the doors to much more intensity. It can be both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes, only while sitting in meditation, we discover that our bodies experience a lot of physical pain. Sometimes it may be emotional anguish that we uncover. Perhaps it is only frustrating overthinking, ruminating or worrying. Whatever the unpleasant sensation, we can learn to work with these difficulties by applying self-compassion, kindness and care.
Sometimes though – hopefully as often as possible – we experience pleasant sensations. We notice how the tension in the body melts away. We realize that we feel calm and peaceful. Our thought process slows down and we find much pleasure in simply following the breath, listening to the sounds, and feeling our bodies. We discover that simply being connected to the present moment and what is happening inside and outside of us is all we need to feel pure joy.
Traditionally, we would be warned by our meditation teacher not to cling to these pleasant sensations. Our experience, whether it is positive or negative, will change. Nice feelings will come and go. In meditation we are learning how not to try and control what is happening. Instead, we are learning how to compassionately accept these inevitable changes. However, while it is important to be aware that pleasant sensations may soon disappear, it is just as crucial to allow ourselves to fully experience them.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying the joys and pleasures of life. We are often so driven by our ambition to achieve success that we often forget to enjoy these simple moments of joy. Instead, burdened by the stress of many internal and external expectations, we use unhealthy coping mechanism. We seek short-lived pleasures of eating, drinking, shopping, gambling and other addictive behaviors, just to distract ourselves from feeling the full scope of our suffering. Mindfulness meditation can heal our relationship to the changing stream of life. It takes time, it is not a quick fix, and it takes practice. But often by practicing meditation we get to experience more positive things in ourselves and the world and even experience more joy and pleasure.
In our first Tuesday meditation class, during the guided meditation we explored these pleasant sensations and positive thoughts and memories. These online classes are offered freely and if you would like to experience being part of the community, you can join them live by signing up here. I would love to share this online space with anyone who needs a bit more joy and pleasure in their lives – and who wishes to learn how to deal with life’s ups and downs with healing powers of meditation. In the meantime, enjoy this complimentary recording of our first class linked below:
AGGA Coaching 
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