How to Tap into Your Awareness | Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche | TED

TED7 minutes read

Meditation is not about stopping thoughts but rather being aware of them; it can help with panic attacks by observing without getting caught up in them. The three steps in meditation involve using an object as support, meditating with anything, and eventually existing in open awareness without needing any support.

Insights

  • Meditation involves being fully aware of one's thoughts, feelings, actions, surroundings, and sensations.
  • Contrary to common misconceptions, meditation does not require stopping thoughts or seeking peace; it is about observing without attachment.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of meditation?

    Meditation is about being aware of your thoughts, feelings, actions, surroundings, and sensations. It involves understanding and observing oneself without judgment.

  • What are common misconceptions about meditation?

    Two common misunderstandings about meditation are the belief that one must stop thinking completely and the idea that the goal is to achieve peace and calm. Meditation is more about awareness and acceptance than trying to control thoughts or emotions.

  • How can meditation help with panic attacks?

    The speaker shares his personal experience with panic attacks and how meditation helped him cope. By practicing meditation, individuals can learn to observe their panic without getting caught up in it, leading to a sense of calm and control.

  • What are the steps involved in meditation?

    The first step in meditation is using an object, such as a sound, as support for focus. The second step involves meditating on anything, even panic, by observing it without attachment. The final step is open awareness meditation, where one simply exists in awareness without needing external support.

  • What is the key to successful meditation?

    The key to successful meditation lies in being present and aware of one's thoughts and emotions without judgment. By practicing mindfulness and observing oneself without getting caught up in thoughts, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity.

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Summary

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Steps to Meditation: Object, Observation, Awareness

  • Meditation is about awareness, knowing what you are thinking, feeling, doing, seeing, and hearing.
  • Two common misunderstandings about meditation are the need to stop thinking and the pursuit of peace and calm.
  • The speaker shares his personal experience with panic attacks and how meditation helped him cope.
  • The first step in meditation is using an object as support, like listening to a sound.
  • The second step involves meditating with anything, even panic, by observing it without getting caught up in it.
  • The final step is open awareness meditation, where one simply exists in awareness without needing any support.
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