Reap The Benefits Of Meditation Doing What You Love
Sitting Still Is Not The Only Way To Meditate
Meditation has so many benefits that I can write a book about just the benefits! I am not kidding. While most of us are convinced of the benefits, some find meditation hard. It is because we have a very limited view of what the meditation is.
Let me explain. What comes to your mind when I say ‘Meditation’? I bet it is a person sitting still with eyes closed and hands placed on the lap. Now, if I ask you how do would you meditate once you are in this position? Most of you would focus on your breath and try not to engage with your feelings and thoughts. Of course, it is the widely practised way to meditate. But is it the only way? The answer is No!
There are other ways to meditate too. For that, you need to understand what meditation is and how it works.
Meditation is being in the present moment.
More often than not, our feelings takes us away from the present to either past or future. That is why when we sit in meditation, we do not engage with them and rather focus on our breath. It is the breath that brings us back to the present moment.
We make breath an anchor to bring us back to the present moment. But can there be any other anchor?
Meditating On What You Love
Breath is not the only way to bring your attention to the present. The meditative state can also be achieved by doing activities that we love, or are passionate about. It is in fact a totally effortless way to meditate.
Have you ever done something that consumed you to the point that you lost track of time? Your focus is so strong that no thoughts enter your mind for the duration of the activity. It can be writing, painting, gardening, making pottery or something else. The point is- it bring you to the present. Instead of breath, your anchor becomes the activity that you love.
What you love is your meditation!
Concept Of Ikigai
Japanese have a similar concept called Ikigai which is an intersection of what you love, what you are good at, and what the world needs. Ikigai has long been associated with the Japan’s long life expectancy. To me, Ikigai is the equivalent of meditation, with Ikigai being the anchor. Moreover, it is also something that world needs, it means you can earn a livelihood out of it.
Follow Your Passion
Do what you love. People say that following your passion in life is not a practical advice. But if you understand meditation and mindfulness, you would find it to be the best advice. Spend more and more time doing what you love to be in the present. You won’t need to sit in meditation. Your passion would bring you to the present without you putting any effort.
At a particular point in time, your attention to the present moment is directly proportional to your interest in the work you are doing.
Moreover, people who followed their passion became immensely successful since they are able to work on their craft. This is because to hone your craft, you need to be in the present. You can only work when you are truly present in the present. Your mind has to focus on the work you are doing.
Do you think Mozart could have put in hours of work in music if it wasn’t his passion? Do you think Leonardo da Vinci could have painted Mona Lisa without being in the present?
Parting Note
Don’t think of meditation as hard work. Once you are used to being a present, from doing things you love, it won’t be difficult for you to do the sitting meditation.
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