STOPPING

Meditation has two aspects: stopping and looking deeply. We tend to stress the importance of looking deeply because it can bring us insight and liberate us from suffering and afflictions. But the practice of stopping is fundamental. Stopping is the very beginning of the practice of meditation. If we cannot stop, we cannot have insight. We have to learn the art of stopping—stopping our thinking, our habit energies, our forgetfulness, and the strong emotions that rule us. When an emotion rushes through us like a storm, we have no peace. We turn on the TV and then we turn it off. We pick up a book and then we put it down.

How can we stop this state of agitation? We can stop by practicing mindful breathing, mindful walking, and deep looking in order to understand. When we are mindful, touching deeply the present moment, the fruits are always understanding, acceptance, love, and the desire to relieve suffering and bring joy.