Peace and Stillness
by Corinna Chase
As a practicing yoga instructor, I am compelled innately to search for that place within myself, to escape from the busyness of my daily life and calm my mind with meditation. We find this sacred space compelling and alluring because meditation offers us neutrality and amity, while slowly infusing our hearts and minds with peace and harmony. I acknowledge that with commitment and discipline I will reach that place of “enlightenment”, a realm of utopia where I am completely and utterly unfazed by the chaos that prompts the constant chatter of judging, unfolding information, uploading media data continuously as it is exhausting my mind. It is here, I fantasize and dream to connect with the depths of self without judgement and allow myself simply “to be”. It is my hope that I will harness and secure the foundation of meditation, allowing me to sit and still my mind without the constant monkey chatter.
As a practicing yoga instructor, I am compelled innately to search for that place within myself, to escape from the busyness of my daily life and calm my mind with meditation. We find this sacred space compelling and alluring because meditation offers us neutrality and amity, while slowly infusing our hearts and minds with peace and harmony. I acknowledge that with commitment and discipline I will reach that place of “enlightenment”, a realm of utopia where I am completely and utterly unfazed by the chaos that prompts the constant chatter of judging, unfolding information, uploading media data continuously as it is exhausting my mind. It is here, I fantasize and dream to connect with the depths of self without judgement and allow myself simply “to be”. It is my hope that I will harness and secure the foundation of meditation, allowing me to sit and still my mind without the constant monkey chatter.
My practice of meditation is still in its infancy, as my mind imposes inadequacies because of my lack of commitment, Freudian(ID). This is counter-productive as judgments infringe on peaceful states, obscuring the mind. We realize we may have challenges ahead, but continually yearn for that simple peaceful state. Many people desperately covet peace and pursue an insatiable desire to harness a harmonious state within, to find stillness. This is a result of the continual bombardment of violence that we are witnessing on TV and social media. Why have we not yet moved past bigotry and racism, and why are we not working to preserve and restore our environments? Critical questions for our future as humanitarians and peace keepers. Our social values have been clouded with capitalist dollars, and we are the lambs. The question remains as to how long we will serve narcissistic values, and why we continue to behave like passive drones unscathed by the brutal bills passed in legislation to protect their gains?
On another note, let us view why we are feeling less impacted by these social issues. The media has besieged us with accounts of needless murders, shootings, racism, all disproportionate in Canada. They have exploded in our Canada, “our home and Native land”. Gun violence has escalated and police agencies are striving to find solutions, (Maclean’s, Oct 2017). We are continually being bombed with images and are consciously aware of the bellowed shrieks of parents who have lost their children from needless acts of violence. So how do we care for self? How do we move seamlessly throughout the day and not attach to the environment with judgment, while utilizing a mindful approach so we may find a solution?
How do we not succumb to mere distractions that compel us to turn a blind eye to what is important? How do we press the reset-button, internally, to find balance from the external frenzy and chaos?
Intuitively, we know we need more peace for understanding and for compassion towards ourselves and others. Appealing to good judgment, I Invite you, if you do not have a sound practice, to come to stillness, to be patient and practice with eagerness. Inner peace is our inherent right; it is free and invaluable. Let’s imagine it and acknowledge it with commitment, practice with discipline and gain momentum for balance. It is here we connect with the depths of self-giving, self-permission “to be”.
With practice, we can harness and secure the foundation of meditation and sit with no “monkey chatter”, reacting less to the surrounding environment.
With practice, we can harness and secure the foundation of meditation and sit with no “monkey chatter”, reacting less to the surrounding environment.
If your practice is still in its infancy and the ego mind imposes inadequacies as a result of lack of practice and commitment, let it go. This is counterproductive, as judgments infringe on our ability to reach peaceful bliss. We may have some challenges ahead — with discipline, time restraints, busy lives — yet our spirit continues to seek, so push forward. Pema Chadron, renowned Buddhist, refers to the term “baby brain”. This captures our restlessness, that of a two-year-old trying to be still while meditating. Regulate this and be patient. Practicing self-care is our life preserver. Through meditation we connect with peace and stillness, finding deeper understanding of our own spirits. Because, with all the violence, chaos and turmoil, our world needs more peacekeepers, more compassion and more love.
Come to your practice, find peace through stillness.
Namaste,
Corrina Chase
CYA-RYT200
Humanitarian, Peacekeeper
Come to your practice, find peace through stillness.
Namaste,
Corrina Chase
CYA-RYT200
Humanitarian, Peacekeeper