Beginner's Mind

The "destruction" of the self ( Ego ) is the starting place.

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In its place begins a new relationship with one's thoughts.

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Importantly, this awareness of our own thoughts. The separation that allows for the germination of our new perspective on our thoughts - is most useful when we practice the meditation without judgment and with the intention that we are not "attached" to these thoughts. I was taught this means - we should not assign any value to the thoughts that materialize in meditation other than an acknowledgment that the thought is pleasant, unpleasant or neutral.  Once acknowledged, the thought is gently released to be on its way.

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As I began the practice of silencing my mind - one of my early surprises (shocks really!) was the always random, often chaotic and occasionally frightening nature of my own thoughts. Thoughts that seemingly materialized out of nowhere.

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The Buddha said ... "Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own thoughts, unguarded."

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The simple act of labeling our thoughts pleasant, unpleasant or neutral with non-judgment allows us the opportunity to better observe how our thought process - at least in this surface way - impacts our mental state. 

I have listed the 4 elements of meditation that seem to be the most important for getting started on my own journey.

I have attempted to highlight aspects of each area that I believe may have importance to beginners.

TRADITIONS

RITUAL / SETTING

POSTURE

AWARENESS