Within meditation, there exists a point of focus. Focus being what troubles us all. The distractions, the desires, the wants, the needs. The human game brings with it many things that grab our attention. Once within its grip, we become powerless to perceive. It is normal.
However, simplicity is a node of understanding that always comes in hindsight. That was a bad idea. I did not need that. I was not thinking clearly. What can we do? Meditation is an old word. There is a reason behind that.
When one shuts their door, covers their eyes, plugs their ears, and eliminates stimuli, what is left? Darkness and a chattering consciousness. It is from here that one can hear the inner dialogue, many times containing all the static we go unaware of. We hear the words within. We feel ourselves. We see darkness. This is where it starts. The beginning point of the inner journey.
How do we quiet the chatter and soften the feeling? We need a point of focus. Ahhhh…..the darkness lying before me. Is it as simple as curiosity? The chatter has its argument. The felling pulls away the focus. However the darkness remains unchanged.
What do we do when upon a ship lost at sea? We look for a lighthouse beam. What do we do when we lose our direction? We look to the north star. What do we do when we cannot see in the darkness around us? We look for a source of light, be it flashlight, lamp, or lighter. The secret of meditation is the light unseen. A simple method without fanfair.
From a forward stare into darkness we wait for a light to appear. Curiosity, faith, and inner wonder. It cannot be just darkness before me. Then one day, a flicker appears. Did I see that correctly? The chatter begins. Return and believe.
The secret of old amidst volumes to read lies not in the volumous knowing. It lies within its antithesis, the letting go. To quiet the chatter and look in the darkness brings forth the truth we search for in this world. The seldom flicker of light becomes a faint star within darkness. We learn through our stare that it IS THERE.
Daily practice causes the point of focus to increase. It is like reaching for something within darkness. A traveling forward or a pulling to, we may not know. But, either way, darkness we search within. Do we not search aimlessly in darkness anyway? Keep it simple. Keep the focus upon the point in darkness.
Repeat and return. Our world today is filled with instant gratification. This is not the way of the inner play. The sages of old did describe this inner play. The contemplation being signposts to guide others. We all need a simple way. A guru is a guru not. A guiding star within is the individual’s lot. None are denied this. Only self can find their way.
A star is born, faint at first, out of darkness observed with wonder. Is there something else amidst all this blackness? Yes there is. Go find your easter egg. It is within the search does start. It’s simple you see, but hard to begin. Doubt is the chatter’s distractionary methods. Listen not, feel not. Look ahead.
Forward into darkness is the point of focus. Reach out and go where you have not yet been. It has to be there somewhere. Darkness is an illusion within. Pierce with forward gaze gently. Persist. Do not take no for an answer. Switch off the pessimistic voices. Enjoy the curiosity, the possibility. Allow the miracle to appear.
When the star appears, say hello. You could say it has been awaiting your search. For when you two meet there will be no doubt. Your guiding light you’ve found. Then, you will want to return, never looking back. For your guiding light has much to show you. Doubt leaves the game.
A simple signpost revealed:
