Joy is intrinsic to each of us. It is our birthright. Across time, culture and lineage, meditation texts tell us that as we settle deeper into ourselves, what we discover is joy.

One of the three qualities of consciousness is a Self that is aware of itself and everything else. What this means in essence is that there is a piece of our consciousness that can see or witness what is happening. This larger awareness knows how we feel about the situation we are in; it knows where we are in space and time; and this knowing is very different from the jumble of thoughts we experience in any given moment. 

What is it that you know, and how does that knowing differ from your thoughts? 

What or who gives context to your experiences and your ideas of self?

When you meditate, what else is happening besides that loud tangle of thoughts and distractions that keeps arising?

Our true, deepest Self is ever-present. Always residing in the present moment, which is simultaneously ending and beginning endlessly.

According to the ancient sages, the Self has three basic qualities:

The Self is ever-present.

The Self is aware of itself and everything else.

The Self is joyful.

If you have never done a sound bath before, be sure to listen to the full length episode on 8/6/20 as Shawn Moore and I discuss the beauty and power of sound-based meditation.

Sound Baths & Meditation: Are they the same thing?

An Interview with Shawn J. Moore

Today’s mini meditation is a celebration of the joy that comes from connecting with nature. Ancient meditation practitioners left us texts describing the mini universe they found inside as their meditation practices deepened. We too can access the peace and expansiveness that comes from connecting to elements within.