Morning Meditation

What a treat in the middle of February – a morning meditation outside. The yogis say that doing meditation outdoors opens new vistas. No longer bothered by all the domestic callings a house contains, the aspirant is unfettered and more free to explore within. Natural surroundings and only sky overhead aid one in the journey.

So there I sat – on my porch surrounded by trees and a modest morning sun; it is February after all. Automatically the mind felt more inspired and easily slipped into the practice of pratyahara, i.e. delving inwards. At the right time the mantra also began to chime in, bringing a distinctly positive flow to the practice.

Great yogis sit with the mind introverted, not noticing a thing going on around them. They say that when Sri Ramakrishna would sit for meditation, birds would nest in his hair. I do not possess such aptitude. Sometimes the mind is focused within and sometimes I am more cognizant of the world without.

Certain birds were sweetly singing their call – again and again. And while this worldly sphere is filled with hustle and bustle, I could only think how the birds never get caught up in it. Just they recite their mantra, i.e. their delightful rhythmic song.

Thus inspired I took earnest aim and pointed my mind within, with the rhythm of my inner call. A delight to be doing meditation outside on this fine February morning…