The next age of Meditation: Empty Mindedness

(Based on the live discourse of Param Dwij)
(परम द्विज के प्रवचन पर आधारित)

In a world full of chaos, Mindfulness has made its way to the people like an ointment to their distressed, agitated, and hectic lives. Our society is starting to understand the importance of having a clutter-free mind, which not only boosts productivity, peace and satisfaction but also the social demons of mental illness.

According to several studies, the majority of individuals encounter stress in their everyday lives, which can increase the risk of a wide range of health conditions like heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and others. However, using Mindfulness practises have increased the likelihood of avoiding hazards that might harm one’s health, and it has also become a popular option for those searching for stress relief. Mindfulness, when used as an insightful approach, teaches people how to live the life by eliminating malignant thoughts and patterns occurring continuously and unconsciously.

Despite this, many individuals think that the benefits of Mindfulness taught world over necessitates spending extended periods of time practicing its disciplines, and its intended stage may still be difficult to achieve. Beginners frequently complain about headaches, inability to focus, boredom and agitation, and distraction from the outside world.

But ..What Mindfulness really is

To put it simply, Mindfulness means being present. It is the ability of self-actualizing individuals to be fully involved in the present, without prejudice towards the past and any stress about the future and be aware of their sensory stimuli by noticing everything that is happening around them, their erratic breathing pattern, and bodily sensations etc. – mindfully.

Mindfulness also means accepting yourself, truly and unconditionally. It doesn’t advise abandoning the thoughts but embracing them, exploring the source, and being aware of the cause – consciously.

There is no rigid rulebook for Empty Mindedness, it can be performed anytime and anywhere. This idea and practice may look different, but as Dwij we believe that only an empty mind is full mind, in its full capacity, to see and realise things as they are, without prejudice and judgement.

In terms of application, Empty Mindedness is a relatively easy strategy for rejuvenation and mindfulness. It may be about sitting down to meditate when no one is with you, not even you. Or just walking barefoot on the grass noticing the soft subtle touch under your feet when nothing is there but only the feeling of softness. Or just listening to the flowing water in a river, without any other sound. Or noticing the fragrance of spices in your cooking even when they are not visible. Or getting the words imprinted on your mind, exactly like in the book you are reading.

…If you pay attention, there are plenty of opportunities when you can really practise Empty Mindedness or Mindfulness.