Meditation practice: thoughts are like waves in the ocean
Thoughts are like waves in the ocean. They come and go, moving quickly at times and absorbing the mind at other times. In order to ride the waves of emotions and mental chatter, a person learns to plunge deeper into the water. From this deeper level, equanimity occurs. A person is able to watch the waves of her mind come and go without being caught up in the constant chatter. Sometimes thoughts and especially emotions hit us like tidal waves. This is when staying calm and vigilance becomes almost impossible.
The practice of mediation works to bring awareness to the deeper aspects of the Self that reside beneath the waves of thoughts, emotions, and sensations. However, sometimes we like to play with the waves like the dolphins. Take them to the shore of the beach to have fun and play. To then dive back into the depths of the water to a place of peace and tranquility, watching the waves and the weather go by.
Whether a person is riding the wave, being swept away by a tsunami of emotions, or residing peacefully below, it is important to remember that every moment is a gift. Even in times of struggle, the moment presents opportunities to grow and push yourself as a surfer in this world. Being aware of the waves is key. Watching how they move and maybe crashing into the world through anger, anxiety, and quick thinking. The practice is to continue to build awareness of anger, negative thoughts, even happy feelings. It is through the practice of this awareness that joy and peace are produced in the deepest parts of the ocean.
How is awareness practiced? A very simple way is to start with 1 minute of sitting or standing without moving. Stop moving, stop watching TV, stop interacting with people, stop talking on the phone for 1 minute. is the beginning. For example, set a timer for 1 minute. Then sit on the couch with no distractions. Notice what thoughts and emotions come up while you are sitting. Being aware of how thoughts move from one place to another, such as thinking about work, taking out the trash, being irritated by a conflict with a loved one. Then the doorbell rings and it is recognized that thoughts had held the mind hostage. This is the practice of waves. Start here. This is being in the present moment! Wow!
Remember, this is a practice. Bringing awareness to one’s own thoughts requires a lot of practice. Joy and peace come with practice. Every moment is an opportunity to practice. There is no reason to be upset about the practice at all. The discomfort is just more work to practice. Becoming aware and living in the calm deepest parts of the ocean is a life practice, a constant life practice. Maybe it’s time to visit the ocean of the mind!