The art of no expectation
The ‘modern world’ in which we live is one of apparent ever increasing activity. Indeed being busy has now become the commodity of ‘busyness’. At The Valley Retreat our only focus is simplicity and stillness. We offer less not more.
Meditation can be understood as the art of non-doing. It is the practice of choosing to be still. Such an act can be seen as an act of kindness. A counter balance to all the things we ‘need’ to do in our daily life. As our dis-ease with life is only fully realised when we choose to be still. We choose to stop and be physically still with relaxed awareness and we choose to connect with a deeper stillness beyond the confines of our day to day chaotic mind.
The art of meditation is a means of transforming the mind. But this transformation is not another activity. We are simply connecting with the intrinsic peace which is always available. Many, many people come to the retreat with ideas of how they will ‘be no good at meditation’. This perspective is completely understandable in a society and culture based on attainment. But with practice we soon realise that there is nothing to achieve in meditation. It is beyond the duality of good and bad. It simply is.
Perhaps most profoundly through our practice we realise that all of share the human experience. We share the same thoughts, feelings and emotions and therefore meditation is a way of forming a deeper connection with those around us through understanding why we behave and react the way we do.
Meditation is therefore perhaps the one of the most simple and most crucial ways to help us understand the reactivity and confusion of the mind. Meditation is simply a way of slowing down the mind and observing our thoughts. Observing our neurosis. Observing how we imprison ourselves. There is no complex mystery to the practice. Indeed meditation is practice of simplicity.
Through meditiation we can connect with the peace and clarity which is ever present. All forms meditation at The Valley Retreat help us reconnect with the present moment and devlop a deeper understanding of kindness, love and compassion.
Please feel free to contact us today to discuss your introduction to meditation or ask any questions you have about your own practice.