|
|
||
|
|
Meditating Out Bush |
 |
|
I have just returned from a camping
trip in central west NSW. I found myself in a secluded bush setting off
the beaten track. I sat in my camp chair and soaked in my surroundings.
The eucalypts perfumed the breeze as it created a symphony of sound
through the leaves in the trees. Bird songs added another level of sound
composition to this tranquil setting. The sun was heating up and I
reflected on the beauty that was everywhere. I felt like meditating but I
had a momentary flash of uncertainty. I had never before meditated
outside. I had always done so in the peace and quite of an indoor setting.
No noises, no external hindrances. I closed my eyes and I immediately
opened them again as I heard a rustle in the dry leaves on the ground near
me. No, it wasn't a snake, it was just the wind. I was beginning to think
that this wasn't going to be easy. My mind was working over-time on why I
couldn't meditate. It was time to reduce that hindrance. I said out loud,
"mindfulness of breathing". I began to count my breaths. The hindrances
abated. I was meditating outdoors in the bush. I was aware of the bush but
I was aware of it not as a physicality external to myself but as if I was
a part of it so it was no longer a hindrance but a part of something
greater something that I was also a small part. On this camping trip I
learned how to meditate surrounded by nature. I stayed in this location
for about a week and was meditating many, many times during the day. As I
said I had used the Mindfulness of Breathing as a way of focusing and once
I was on my way, I was able to do Metta Bhavana and other practices. Now
that I have made that first step to Meditating "Out Bush" I feel that I
could now meditate anywhere anytime. The experience for me was amazing.
Contributed by Geoff Warren |
||
|
|
