Cultivate space

I am pro-meditation in public spaces

"Between stimulus and response is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." ~Viktor Frankl

Yoga asana practice can help us create physical space, length in the muscles, flexibility in the body. How do we create space in our minds?

Not too long ago I attended a workshop put on by the Yoga Alliance on meditation practice. It was wonderful - providing guidance on how to bring meditation into your life as a constant companion, something that is there for you whenever you need it. 

Much like pranayama, or breath work, meditation can be accessed at any time. Since the workshop, I have had time to think on it and process its lessons, and the metaphor of meditation as a touchstone kept coming back to me. 

Merriam-Webster has a few definitions

What I didn't know before writing this post is touchstones are an actual thing. They were used to measure the purity of gold or silver, by evaluating the mark or streak that is left behind when one drags the precious metal against a touchstone. If you look elsewhere on the web, the metaphor of "touchstone" points to testing the validity or merit of a concept. Still, that first definition of touchstone is "a fundamental or quintessential part or feature" of a thing. 

Wherever you land on what a touchstone is for you - having one, whether in the form of meditation or pranayama can be extremely helpful in day to day life. We've all been there, when you're in line at the grocery store and the person ahead of you has more than 10 items in the express lane. (An actual example given during the workshop as an opportunity to meditate) 

Last week, I traveled to Chicago. My first work trip since before the pandemic. I hadn't traveled for work because of elder care responsibilities since 2018 - so today, going to the airport for work and having to make my way through security with all my work gear (laptop, etc...) was a new experience for me. Yes, I've traveled since 2018, but laptops don't belong on vacation...so it is different.

Happy and relaxed, Dec 2021, heading to Portugal

When I stood in that incredibly long line, a little nervous I'd miss my flight - I thought of that workshop and meditated on my breath. 

When I made it to my seat and our plane couldn't take off from Newark airport for an hour and a half because of storms AND there was a screaming child on the plane, I meditated on my breath (and sent love to that child's parent, my god, what lungs that kid has). 

I again was grateful for my practice when, on the return to NJ we landed early and had no gate assignment, were sent to a gate with no staff, then it turned out we were sent to the WRONG GATE and had to BE TOWED to the right one, ending up waiting to get OFF the plane for an hour and a half, meditation and pranayama helped me to remain calm.

The practical application of the practice is where meditation and pranayama can transform the "suffering" one may be experiencing. That's when they have the most value. Sure you can go sit on your cushion in your special spot, with time and space on your side and have a glorious time with your thoughts and your breath. 

Meditation and pranayama come more easily when the conditions are right. It has value, yes, and I bow to you for doing it. But being able to meditate when you're at an airport and people are cranky because of a crying child or what have you - that's the good stuff.

That's your touchstone.

Touching ancient stones in Portugal