To the degree we are present, there is no fear.
(Peter Ralston)
Meditation
Many people talk about
meditation or claim to do
meditation.
Yet, meditation is not an activity.
It is presence.
Presence
There is nothing mystical about 'presence'.
It is simply a condition of
awareness whereby you are rooted in the immediate moment rather
than absorbed in
thought or memory.
In order to do anything wholeheartedly you need to be present, not
daydreaming or 'spacing out'.
Activities
Certain activities can help a person gain presence.
These are not 'meditation'.
They are simply activities or exercises that encourage you to be conscious
of the 'here and now'.
Ultimately, everything that you do should help to bring your mind back to
reality; whether it is washing dishes, walking on the beach or
sitting
quietly.
The activity itself is not important - it simply serves to initiate the
condition of presence.
If you come to rely upon the activity, this is a mistake.
Tai chi
Tai chi may be physically easy to perform but it does require
awareness.
The mind must be without thought in order for you to move internally.
Beginners initially learn
standing qigong because this helps them to
calm the mind and be present.
The exercise is uncomplicated and offers almost no physical challenge except
to remain relaxed and aware.
It is the very simplicity of the qigong that causes problems for
people; it is an exercise that lacks activity.
An agitated mind needs entertainment and rebels against inactivity.
Once the mind settles, the senses become more acute and you begin to
notice more.
This is the beginning of presence.
Having 'presence'
Presence can be seen in a different way...
Some people seem to have 'presence'. They exude a notable air of security
and calm.
These people quietly walk through life in a comfortable, natural way.
They are unaffected and genuine.
There is no conflict or aggression in their manner. Just gentle humour and
grace.
Ed Parker says, "The only reason men fight is because they are insecure; one
man needs to prove that he is better or stronger than another.
The man who is secure within himself has no need to prove anything with
force, so he can walk away from a fight with dignity and pride. He is the
true martial artist - a man so strong inside that he has no need to
demonstrate his power."
The Chinese word for this kind of confidence is 'sai', which can be defined
as 'presence'.
(Joe Hyams)
Page created 18 September 2000