Bring Joy To The Present
“Meditation is not self-improvement. Do not enter into it under any such delusions. There is no one to be improved. Meditation is a form of enjoyment.” – Alan Watts
This quote emphasizes a perspective on meditation that differs from how it is often approached in modern culture. Consider the following:
- “Meditation is not self-improvement”: Watts challenges the idea that meditation is a tool to “fix” oneself or achieve a more “perfect” state. This contrasts with the common view of meditation as a means to reduce stress, increase productivity or attain personal growth.
- “Do not enter into it under any such delusions”: He warns against meditating with the expectation that it will make you a better person or help you achieve a specific goal. Approaching meditation with an agenda creates a sense of striving, which can hinder the very essence of meditation.
- “Meditation is a form of enjoyment”: Instead of striving for self-improvement, Watts encourages approaching meditation as an act of pure presence and joy. It’s about being fully engaged in the moment, experiencing life as it is, without trying to change or achieve anything.
Watts invites a shift in perspective: rather than using meditation as a tool for self-betterment, see it as a way to fully embrace and enjoy the present moment.
I find mindfulness meditation supports my intention to bring joy to the present….if only for a moment.
Mondays & Thursdays
12:15 – 12:45 pm
Room 407 @ Second Presbyterian Church
7700 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260
or
Zoom! – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83998337582
Meeting ID: 839 9833 7582 Password: 672891
Join others in Mindfulness Meditation on Mondays and Thursdays at 12:15 pm. Brief discussion, followed by silent practice and concluding with observations, comments or wonderings. Take refuge in the present moment. Mindfulness Meditation is the opportunity to rest in Presence in a supportive environment with others. No experience, fee or registration is necessary.
P. Scott Sweet, LCSW, LCAC