by Alma Ayon | Jan 10, 2016 | emotions, reflections, wisdom
We all seek genuine happiness, but appearances are deceiving and we end up searching where it’s not. Some of us believe that if only we had more money, health, a family, children, power, fame, sensual pleasures, etc., we would be happier. But we don’t realize that all these things are impermanent and lack the ability to give us lasting happiness. The only thing that can give us that happiness is training our mind to:
1. Live an ethical life that benefit those around us.
2. Develop mental calm, presence and single-pointed attention.
3. The cultivation of emotional balance and the development of deep wisdom.
Photo: ©AlmaAyon
Therefore, it is important to be aware of what motivates our actions. To the extent that our motivations focus on ourselves and are selfish, the result will be our suffering, why? If we analyze this, we realize that when we want something for us, we get attached to it and begin to defend ourselves, to compete with others to get it, and once we have it we are afraid that it will be taken or lost, so we take a defensive attitude.
To the extent that our mind attaches to ideas, desires, things, people, situations, etc., and as you feel aversion for all that stand between its desires and their objects, the result will be mental afflictions such as anger, jealousy, selfishness, etc, and an afflicted mind is an unsatisfied unhappy mind.
The Mind is the Source of Happiness
To the extent that we desire fewer things and appreciate what we have, and as we release the attachment and aversion, and dedicate ourselves to cultivate a peaceful mind and emotional balance, to that extent we will find true happiness that doesn’t depend on external stimuli or objects, situations, praise or recognition.
And how do we achieve this? Training our mind gradually. To begin, take a tour of this site, explore and put into practice all the tips, advice and strategies I have shared in previous posts. Also sign up to receive tips and resources on your email.
Your Turn
Do you have any examples that have given you certainty that the mind creates our experience?
by Alma Ayon | Jan 10, 2016 | news, reflections
Dear healthy minds,
I’m writing to wish you a very happy new year!
The resolutions I suggest for this year are cultivating greater peace, attention and developing a good heart. Let’s resolve to create habits of being happy, better organized, empathizing with others, live consciously in the present, with peace and tranquility.
But this will not happen by magic and less if we keep repeating the same patterns of the past year. We have to develop new habits and maintain them.
I know what you’re thinking, that’s very difficult and requires effort, but think for a moment what it would mean to practice non-stress and being less anxious. Don’t you want to feel relaxed, calm and peaceful most of the time? This would be fine, right?
It’s all about this! to cultivate habits that make us feel good and happy long term.
The good news is you’re not alone. Here at Peace & Mind we are a community of people who seek the same and we recognize the importance of training and developing our mind.
One of my goals is to write more about various topics, that can inspire my readers (you) to be free and independent and use their free time meaningfully in the projects that make you happier as well as offering you strategies to live a meaningful life.
Your Turn
What is your most important resolution for this year?
by Alma Ayon | Jan 9, 2016 | meditations, reflections
The position that I recommend for working and meditating is to sit on a cushion of about 10-15 cm high, commonly called zafu, you can also use a yoga brick, on a cushioned mat about 1mt x 1mt commonly called zabuton, or you can also put a folded yoga mat under the cushion.
Sitting Posture
Sitting cross-legged with each leg facing each other and resting on the ground. Hands on your thighs or left hand on top of the right hand with both palms up and the tips of the thumbs touching gently. Back straight, this is very important! and head aligned. The tip of the tongue behind the upper teeth. Eyes open and relaxed eyelids. This position helps you keep stability, upright but relaxed, so you can stay for long sitting in this way. If you feel sleepy or your mind is very fast you will notice it on your thumbs, in your eyes and in your spine. Try to correct your posture as soon as you notice that it is out of balance.
The Place
Find a quiet room or a place where you have no distractions or noise. Sit preferably in front of a white wall, since the objects and designs stimulate the mind and distract us.
Your goal is that your body and mind are still, as relaxed as if asleep, but really awake and alert at a time.
When we spend hours on the computer, sitting in a chair this hurts our body, so it’s good if you can adopt the half-lotus posture just described, also for working.
If your knees hurt and you rather sit on a chair, it is important to keep your back very straight.
Other Postures
Another position for both work and to meditate is to stand with a very straight back and head in line. It’s good to switch between this position and the half-lotus posture.
Finally there is the savasana pose, which involves lying down on your back on a yoga mat with your arms resting at your sides. You can put a small pillow under your head if it helps you align your spine. This position is excellent for relaxation and meditation, but it is not good to work! You also run the risk of falling asleep, so it is good to use it only when you’re stressed or when you have tension in the body.
What posture do you find most comfortable to meditate and work with? How long can you stay in that position without moving?
