Meditation practice is neither holding on nor avoiding; it is a settling back into the moment, opening to what is there

Meditation practice is neither holding on nor avoiding; it is a settling back into the moment, opening to what is there

Jack Kornfield, a renowned meditation teacher and author, often emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and fully embracing whatever arises during meditation practice. In his teachings, he often speaks about the idea that meditation is not about holding on to certain thoughts or feelings, nor is it about avoiding them. Instead, it is about settling back into the present moment and opening oneself up to whatever is there.

Kornfield's approach to meditation is rooted in mindfulness, a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By cultivating this awareness, individuals can learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and sensations without getting caught up in them. This allows for a greater sense of clarity and peace, as one learns to let go of attachment and aversion.

When we hold on to certain thoughts or feelings during meditation, we create resistance and tension within ourselves. This can lead to a sense of struggle and frustration, as we try to control our experience rather than simply being with it. On the other hand, when we avoid certain thoughts or feelings, we deny ourselves the opportunity to fully explore and understand them. This can lead to a sense of disconnection and avoidance, as we push away parts of ourselves that we deem uncomfortable or undesirable.

By settling back into the moment and opening to whatever is there, we can cultivate a sense of acceptance and presence. This allows us to fully experience the richness of each moment, without getting caught up in our judgments or expectations. Through this practice, we can learn to embrace all aspects of ourselves with compassion and kindness.

Kornfield's teachings remind us that meditation is not about achieving a certain state of mind or reaching a specific goal. Instead, it is about being fully present with whatever arises, and learning to meet each moment with an open heart and mind. By practicing in this way, we can cultivate a sense of peace, clarity, and connection that extends beyond our meditation cushion and into all aspects of our lives.