A calm, healthy mind can actually bring about noticeable physiological changes to your body. Slower breathing drives down blood pressure and heart rate. As your oxygen consumption goes down, your mind—in a state of relaxed awareness—begins to behold itself and experience joy. This is the foundation for the meditation and contemplation practiced by saints and sages over time throughout the world and can bring you a joyful peace.
1. With eyes closed, direct your attention to the space between your brows. This will be your focal point for this meditation. Gently gaze into that space without straining.
2. As thoughts or emotions arise to threaten your peace, don’t try to reason, deny, or argue them away. That would be conflicting and counterproductive, derailing your meditation. Don’t be hard on yourself but rather practice patience and loving-kindness.
3. Maintain a detached awareness of what arises during meditation.
In Buddhism, inner peace isn’t a static condition. It’s a dynamic state brimming with insight, perception, knowledge, and compassion. Hold on to the awareness of that inner peace. Carry that joyful serenity unhindered into your day.