try feeling the breeze

Try feeling the breeze on your face. This is one of those simple meditations which is easy because it's something we do anyway, because it's so enjoyable.

Just go out on your own, preferably somewhere in nature, on a breezy day, a day when there's some wind. It might work in a strong wind, too, but I would suggest you pick a day when the wind is light. It's more sensuous that way, more delicate. Anyway, find a spot and either sit or stand. And just bring your awareness to your skin, wherever the wind is touching you. Feel the sensation of the breeze, perhaps against your cheek. Maybe you notice it more in your hair; or on your arms. Wherever it calls your attention, allow your awareness to go there. And simply enjoy the direct sensation of the breeze caressing your skin.

It's such a gift. You need do nothing but be open to it, to receive it, and to appreciate it. And the way to really appreciate it is to bring your undivided attention to the direct sensations. No need to think about it. No need to have a story in your mind. No need to label it. Just, without thinking, bring your awareness to the breeze caressing you.

It's so sensuous. It's like a lover touching you, delicately stroking you. And it's delicious. I suggest this as a meditation, because it's so delicious. It makes it easier for us to keep our awareness, our attention, on the sensation. It's so enjoyable, and any thoughts that come into the mind are rather dry in comparison. So as soon as you notice yourself thinking, bring your awareness back to this sensuous touch of the breeze. Mmm. And enjoy it.

Meditation should be enjoyed, should be enjoyable. If it's too much hard work, if it's too much of a discipline, of an effort, not only are we at risk of not making that effort, but it creates a tension in the body. And all the best meditations help us to relax. That's why this sensuous touch of the breeze is such a great meditation. It naturally relaxes us, like a gentle massage, an effleurage.

And if we relax enough, we relax into who we really are. Everything else that we think we are, is a sort of tension: a psychological tension that is then reflected in our body, in chronic muscle tension, in stress. But doing this little meditation – enjoying the feel of the breeze against your cheek – how can tension remain? It will simply melt away. Ahh.