The rain is crashing down on the yoga hut I am staying in. It’s so heavy I can’t even hear myself breathe. I feel protected by it. I know I am in a safe place. I arrived at the yoga centre in the afternoon and started my meditation teacher training. I have always wanted to deepen my meditation practice and in turn also help others find theirs. I also intend to do my yoga training at some point. Byron Bay is one of my favorite places in the world. It has something special about it. They say some kind of healing energy. It’s perfect to come and nourish your soul here for a few days, months or even years.
Our first meditation lesson started with a discussion around what is NOW? I have read the power of NOW by Ekhart, I know the power of being in the NOW. But what is it? Are we thinking in the NOW? Is there any presence in thinking? Apparently not. NOW is only here due to our senses. We can hear the rain pouring down, we can smell the wet grass and trees, we can taste the salty ocean water, we can feel the ground beneath us, we can see the nature in front of us. This all brings us to the NOW. There are only two real things in life that bring true presence. One is adrenaline fueled activities like skydiving or even surfing. You are concentrating deeply on what you are doing. The other is meditation. How can you not be here NOW with either. Meditation isn’t always easy. It is easier than jumping out of a plane though.
Hamish thank you for sending me on this path to discover the NOW.