It was just a short while ago that mindfulness seemed so illusive. Actually it was hard. Sitting down for meditation was a challenge, and I found it hard to get into the groove. Distractions were sticky, powerful and difficult to allow to fade away. My mind wandered rather freely on its own. I wrestled it back into the groove again and again.
I guess that the groove has gotten worn into me a bit, because mindfulness now seems so simple. My body seems to remember what it feels like, and I just have to remind myself what mindfulness feels like.
I still go for long periods of time during the day when I no longer remember the experience of mindfulness. My body and my mind wander. I forget to pay attention, even though it is so simple to be attentive. I also get distracted very easy, but the distractions pass by only if I remember not to hold on to them. It is really quite simple, if I remember to relax and pay attention.
Even though I may only sit for ten to fifteen minutes, meditation is rather simple and not a chore. It certainly is not a big fight to stay focused or to pay attention. My mind often wanders and wants to explore. However, once I realize my mind is exploring, my body brings my attention back to what is happening here and now. I am sitting. Nothing else. It is really quite simple.
I am not sure I can even explain what this is like to any one. Mindfulness is such a personal thing, based on experience. I’m obviously basing my thoughts about mindfulness and meditation on what I have experienced. I got some guidance and advice. But I really had to explore and figure it out for myself. I found and made my own simple groove. That has made it simple.
With time and practice, that groove gets more stable and deep. It’s really quite simple.