As we embark on the journey within these pages, let us first acknowledge a simple yet profound truth: this book is about learning to breathe. With each breath, we embark on a path of focusing our attention, unlocking the gateway to the present moment. This act of mindful breathing fosters the mental fortitude required to observe and gently release the distracting or negative thoughts that threaten our inner equilibrium.
Hence, a book on meditation is fundamentally a book on breathing. Yet, breathing is not merely a physical necessity; it is an exercise in mindfulness. To be mindful is to dwell in the present moment, embracing the here and now. Such is the essence of the first two chapters; if you can internalize these words, the rest of the book might as well serve as a paperweight.
However, the path to the present is not without its obstacles. Meditation is not an instant panacea; it is a practice that unfolds over time. Whether we sit in silence, walk through nature, flow through yoga, or tend to our children—all can be forms of meditation if we breathe mindfully and anchor ourselves in the now. It is in this state that we can address our survival concerns, excavate deep-seated anxieties, and confront the shadows of past traumas with a sense of clarity and compassion.
In my twenties, I perceived meditation as a spiritual quest, an elusive search for metaphysical connections with the divine. Yet, when the expected epiphanies did not materialize, I questioned the practice's efficacy or my understanding of it. It took persistence, guided by mentors and masters, to recognize that meditation, particularly in its initial stages, is an intellectual and physical endeavor. It's about observing thoughts as they float by, unattached, while focusing on the sensation of breathing and the aliveness of the present moment.
My journey veered again when I encountered a myriad of voices on platforms like YouTube, each offering their own interpretation of meditation as a means to unravel the mysteries of consciousness. It dawned on me that any thought, no matter how profound, is still a product of an active mind—not the passive observation of pure consciousness.
Stripping away the layers of philosophy and intellectualism, what remains? The essence of self, the raw form of consciousness. I found myself circling back to the spiritual nature of meditation, yet cautious of the term's materialistic connotations. Instead, I envisioned pure consciousness as an ethereal, untouchable presence, beyond description or analysis. No philosopher, regardless of their intellect, can fully grasp or convey its nature.
The greatest teachings, then, are those of compassion, non-harm, and reverence for all life. The search for whether consciousness or the material universe came first may be an intriguing philosophical pursuit, but in practical terms, it holds little significance. Knowledge must serve a purpose; it must open our hearts, promote well-being, and reduce suffering—ours and that of others.
Therefore, meditate. Make it a daily practice, whether for a fleeting moment or an extended period, morning or evening. Integrate meditation into every aspect of life, including moments of stillness. Begin with a simple focus: observe your thoughts as they rise and fall, gently steering them aside, and return to your breath time and again. This practice is your foundation, leading you slowly towards whatever lies ahead—be it another level of understanding or a deeper sense of peace.
Amen
(Meditation Book to be released in 2026)