The Mindfulness Meditation Retreat: A Powerful Tool for Developing Mindfulness
by Sunny Goswami Software EngineerHave you ever wondered
if there was a way you could speed up your spiritual development? I'm sure you
know of some people who are so peaceful and serene that nothing seems to bother
them. The secret of their success is actually quite simple. They've figured out
what works, and they do it consistently.
Why the Slow Progress?
The reason many of us
have trouble with our spiritual development is that we don't avail ourselves of
some simple tools that can be tremendously effective. In Buddhism, they have
what is called the Noble Eightfold Path. If you're not familiar with them, these
are essentially basic practices that will help us achieve enlightenment, or
freedom from suffering.
One of them is right
effort, sometimes called right diligence. What it basically means is doing the
things that will cultivate mindfulness, and doing them consistently. The
problem many people have is that they're diligent, but not necessarily using
the most effective tools at their disposal. This is not surprising because
there is so much confusion about what mindfulness meditation is exactly.
When it comes to
getting the most from your meditation practice, it's important to learn the
proper techniques, and apply them consistently. Anything less, and your
progress will be less than optimal.
The Energy of
Mindfulness and the Power of the Retreat
Those who are advanced
spiritually have discovered the power of the meditation retreat. They have
attended one, and realized that it not only takes their spirituality to a
higher level, but also greatly enhances their meditation practice, so they
continue progressing at a much faster pace when they return home. Then they
make attending retreats part of their routine.
One reason the
mindfulness meditation retreat is so effective is that it combines the
instruction of proper mindfulness meditation
techniques with the time
necessary for applying them--that is, right effort. It is like a professional
athlete training for his sport. He will excel much faster if he uses proper
techniques, and practices diligently.
There is also another
reason for the retreat's effectiveness. It is the energy of mindfulness. Our
consciousness is made up of energy, which helps us see with clarity. The amount
of mindfulness energy we're exposed to, determines how clearly we can see the
true nature of reality.
The energy of
mindfulness is not necessarily confined to our bodies. In fact, it surrounds us
like a magnetic field. Anyone who is near us, or aware of our presence, can
feel its effects. So, when several people are meditating together, a synergy
takes place where all participants are exposed to a vast ocean of spiritual
nourishment that helps everyone grow. Buddhist monks and nuns know this, and it's
why they progress so quickly.
People who have had a
profound spiritual experience have momentarily touched nirvana, and have been
exposed to a tremendous surge of mindfulness energy. They are instantly
transported to a higher level of consciousness, and are forever changed by what
they see during those few moments of enlightenment.
A Higher Level of
Inner Peace and Serenity
As you can see, you
can dramatically speed up your spiritual development when you apply the proper
meditation techniques in a consistent manner. When our True Nature awakens, we
can perform at a much higher level:
·
You can think more
clearly.
·
You can see reality on
a much deeper level.
·
You will have greater
control of your mind, body, and emotions.
Athletes refer to this
state as "being in the zone." In other words, we begin using the full
power of our body and mind, including our subconscious. When we're in the zone,
we feel awake and at peace with the world. We also feel a great sense of love.
Imagine the implications of functioning on a higher spiritual level:
·
You will remain calm,
even in stressful situations.
·
Your relationships
will improve significantly.
·
You will overcome the
wounds from your past.
Overall, you will be
at peace with yourself and the world around you. You will know a level of
happiness and serenity that you never thought possible. You will be in the zone
much of the time.
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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.