Usually, when we refer to the adoption of a beneficial practice to calm our mental activity and harmonize our emotions, there is an attempt to place this proposal in a model that works against the process. To put it simply, I believe that meditative practices are based on a principle of non-doing. I dare say that only by moderating our rhythms can we really begin to prepare the ground for enjoying the art of meditation.
Since the prevailing culture offers and even imposes an exaggerated dose of stimuli, mainly informational, it becomes a considerable challenge to slow down our rhythms, and even more so to take a genuine break from our various levels of activity. In other words, gradually overcoming the tendency to know everything, about everything, all the time.
In my experience, a good starting point is to act from the body. In the inescapable and solitary reality of our bodily sensations, we usually see the result of our lifestyle in no uncertain terms. Whatever body posture we adopt to rest in silence, it's clear that we need to go through the phase of relaxing the body, keeping our attention on the present moment. "What do you mean, relaxing while keeping your attention?" I often hear as a comment on this possibility. My answer is that we must start by accepting that it is possible, each person in their own time.
Then, to go beyond the stage of believing in standardized models and take a step further, by cultivating trust in experienced people who show consistency with what they intend to share, I realize that it is very easy for me to make elaborate speeches about a peaceful mind, balanced emotions and a relaxed, attentive body. It's a long way from there to actually manifesting these aspects in interaction with the beings who approach me. And that, in my opinion, is one of the charms of the simple and sophisticated art of meditation: each step is always the first step. With each practice, the reality is different, in me and in the world I usually call "outside". So it's always a fresh start, vivid, interesting, adventurous.
If you ask me to use a practical image, I would say that everything begins and ends with breathing. This is the only physiological function that we can control without specialized training, and yet it is probably the most effective way of regulating our bodily, emotional and mental rhythms, which we differentiate only for didactic purposes. But here we have another topic. I hope we'll meet again soon.
Take good care of yourself and enjoy your precious human life.
Jorge Koho Mello
Zurich, Nov/2023
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