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This morning I attended a group  meditation at a Buddhist Center here in Atlanta, where I am based.  Meditation does not solve your problems, but calms your mind, the monk explained. It is not a religion, but a way to experience “Happiness Peace.” “Sounds good to me,”  I say to myself. “Bring it on.”  Meditation can relieve “Monkey Mind”,  when our minds are so distracted, and jump around hither and there. The reason I attended today is that my mind has been anything but calm recently; indeed, it has been in the jungle, despite the fact that I have been practicing TM (Transcendental Meditation) for many years. When I say practicing, I mean trying to keep my mind on my mantra when  the doorbell rings, the dog starts barking, the phone rings, and then I think of something I fear I will forget if I go back to my mantra,  so I run back to my office and get on the computer.

We started the meditation by focusing on our breathing. In and out through your nose. Ok – so far, so good.  But then came the part when we were to imagine our issues ( depression, anger, selfishness, fear, feeling overwhelmed?) and focus on breathing in and then letting out our breath, which was supposed to release those things that kept us from experiencing “happiness peace”.  I didn’t do so well on that part.  I think I needed more  specific directions.

The monk understood all of the challenges  of finding peace and happiness in today’s world.  We work more hours than ever before, but our other responsibilities: family, friends and our homes, have not diminished.  We have added more  without eliminating anything. With the widespread use of smart phones, we are expected to be plugged in and available 24/7.  I can’t remember what I did with my time before email, and  managing my website, all of my social media business sites, as well as this blog.  But despite the advancement in electronic connection, true communication has diminished with less genuine interpersonal connection.

After the meditation there was food and tea for the large group that attended.  It was a peaceful environment.  In past blogs I  mentioned some of the research about the benefits of meditating and mindfulness, particularly how it helps leaders and executives perform their jobs.  I do believe in it. It has worked for me in the past.   On Thursday there is a compassion meditation.  I’m not sure what that is, but  I thought I would try it.

Peace.